Rep. Cunningham files bill in North Carolina House to restrict tobacco sales near schools

A new bill filed by State Rep. Carla D. Cunningham in the North Carolina House seeks to prohibit tobacco and nicotine product sales within 1,000 feet of most school properties, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 790 on April 3 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Prohibit Vape/Tobacco Shops Near Schools.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill prohibits the sale of tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, and vapor products within 1,000 feet of any public or nonpublic school property in North Carolina, excluding home schools and institutions of higher education. The restriction applies to any person, firm, or corporation, whether selling or purchasing, and encompasses any structure within the specified distance of a school property line. An exception is made for businesses where the sale of such products is incidental to the primary operations. Violations of this rule constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor. The act takes effect Dec. 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Grant L. Campbell, MD proposed the most bills (51) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cunningham graduated from Central Piedmont Community College in 1981 and again in 1996 from Gaston College with an AAS.

Cunningham, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2013 to represent the state’s 106th House district, replacing previous state representative Martha B. Alexander.