The New Jersey Assembly approved two bills that seek to address the increasing use of tobacco and vaping products, particularly among young people by banning the delivery of electronic smoking devices to individuals under 21, and create guidelines for schools to create public awareness campaigns about the dangers of smoking and vaping.

The first bill, sponsored by Assemblymen Conaway and Clinton Calabrese and Assemblywoman Speight, would make it illegal to deliver electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to anyone under 21, requiring a signature from someone 21 or older at the residence upon delivery.

A person violating the provisions would face the same penalties as those selling tobacco or vaping products to minors, with an exception for U.S. Postal Service workers doing their jobs. To ensure clarity, packages containing tobacco or vaping products would be required to clearly indicate their contents.

“It’s well documented that smoking and vaping can cause devastating and irrevocable damage; we have a responsibility to keep harmful nicotine products away from our youth,” said Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Burlington), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee. “The passage of these crucial bills marks an important milestone in our efforts to protect our children and will play a significant role in putting an end to underage use of tobacco and vaping products once and for all.”

Another bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, Assemblyman Conaway and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, would direct the New Jersey Departments of Education (NJDOE) and Health (NJDOH) to develop and distribute guidelines for school districts and institutions of higher education on how to implement anti-vaping campaigns on their campuses.

The campaigns would be multi-tiered, offering decision-making tools and age-specific marketing materials, with information about the effects of vaping on physical and mental health, pregnancy, workplace environments, and exposure to young children.

“Children and young adults are frequently influenced by peer trends, and while some like the latest TikTok dance may be harmless, others, such as smoking, can lead to significant and lasting consequences,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Esssex). “By closing loopholes that allow access to harmful substances and empowering schools to educate students on resisting peer pressure, this legislation helps reduce youth smoking and vaping, keeping our communities healthier and safer.”

The bills passed the Assembly unanimously and now move to the Senate.