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Bill

Bill

A 860

Prohibits persons under 21 years of age from possessing electronic smoking devices.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

New Jersey would ban possession of e-cigarettes and vaping devices by anyone under 21 to reduce youth nicotine use and align with federal sales age restrictions.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
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Bill Summary · A 860

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 860 would prohibit anyone under 21 years old from possessing electronic smoking devices (vapes, e-cigarettes, etc.) in New Jersey. This aligns the possession age restriction with the existing federal legal age for tobacco and nicotine product purchases, which became 21 in 2020.

Why is this important

Youth vaping has become a significant public health concern, with e-cigarettes being the most commonly used tobacco product among teenagers. The bill addresses a regulatory gap—while federal law prevents sales to minors under 21, many states lack explicit possession prohibitions that would allow enforcement and deterrence at the user level.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Possession laws are difficult to enforce fairly and equitably, raising concerns about disparate policing impacts on minority youth and creating criminal records for minors
  • Parental authority vs. state intervention: Some argue parents, not government, should set rules about what minors possess, while others contend public health crises justify state action
  • Effectiveness questions: Critics question whether possession bans change behavior compared to sales restrictions alone, or if they simply criminalize youth without reducing vaping rates

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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