High school students meet with state lawmakers to discuss stronger nicotine law

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — A push for stronger nicotine laws in North Carolina brought dozens of high school students to the state capital on Wednesday, where they met with lawmakers to advocate for House Bill 430, which calls for restrictions on tobacco and nicotine products.

Among the group were two students from the Cape Fear region, Cape Fear Academy students Be Lanier and Max Hamme, who met with Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee and Rep. Ted Davis Jr., both of whom represent New Hanover County.

Lanier and Hammer were joined by more than 30 other students affiliated with the Tobacco 21 Youth Coalition. The group gathered to advocate for “Solly’s Law,” a proposal named after Solomon Wynn, a New Hanover High School student who died in 2023 from complications related to vaping.

The legislation would raise the legal age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21, among other changes aimed at curbing youth access.

Lanier said the proposed age increase was a central topic in discussions with Lee, particularly in response to arguments comparing tobacco use to other adult decisions.

“What do we say about the whole, like, military? You’re able to make the decision to risk your life at 18. What about the decision to risk your life and vape,” Lanier said. “And so my response to that was, well, what do you think about alcohol? And he pointed at me, and he said, that’s the correct answer.”

Students also met with Rep. Donnie Loftis of Gaston County, one of the bill’s primary sponsors, who held a press conference with the group.

One student told lawmakers they “need protection from something that is everywhere they turn around.”

After meeting with legislators, the students visited the Governor’s Mansion, where they met with North Carolina’s first lady to continue discussions about the proposed law and its potential impact on youth across the state.