Panel backs school vaping‑awareness guidance after broad testimony on enforcement and youth education

The Health Committee voted to release A2195, a bill directing the Department of Health to develop and distribute vaping‑awareness guidelines for school districts and institutions of higher education.

Multiple witnesses and prevention‑network representatives urged the committee to couple education with stronger enforcement of flavor bans and to use proven, peer‑led curricula. Diane Litterer, CEO of the New Jersey Prevention Network, described a turnkey curriculum called Don’t Get Vaped In that trains student leaders to teach peers and said prevention work must be paired with support for students rather than punitive suspensions. “These products that are coming into the United States now are from China. They’re unregulated… we need to step up enforcement,” Litterer told lawmakers.

Educators on the panel said vaping has migrated into middle and high schools, with devices designed to look like pens or lipstick, and urged early intervention. One member asked whether the program would address nicotine pouches and other new products; prevention staff said their portal is updated regularly and includes guidance on pouches.

Committee members discussed whether the curriculum should extend into grade schools and whether education might inadvertently expose younger students to vaping. Prevention representatives said they have adapted materials for younger audiences and train thousands statewide; they also noted funding limits and urged scaling best practices.

The committee released the bill with amendments; sponsors said the Department of Health will consult with education officials and update guidance as needed.