Board declines resolution supporting ‘Solly’s Law’ to restrict youth access to vaping products

The New Hanover County Board of Education debated and then declined to adopt a resolution supporting legislative action commonly called "Solly's Law," which would change state vending and licensing rules for tobacco and vaping products to reduce youth access.

Supporters of the board resolution — including board members who spoke at the meeting and guest speaker Charlene Zorn, the mother of a student who died after vaping — said the measure is a public‑health and school‑safety priority. They urged the board to add its voice to the many local government bodies and organizations that have already passed similar resolutions.

Opponents said while they oppose youth vaping strongly, the board is not the appropriate body to enact state law and that local enforcement and county-level action may be more effective. Several board members also expressed concerns that the proposed resolution would not solve enforcement gaps and that a local ordinance or stronger county enforcement mechanisms might produce more direct results.

After discussion, the motion to adopt the resolution failed on a roll call vote and the board did not adopt Solly’s Law language. Members who opposed the resolution recommended pursuing local enforcement avenues with county law enforcement and the county commission, and encouraged public education and school‑level interventions.