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HB 995

Vape-Free Schools Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Imani Barnes and 5 co-sponsors

Georgia bill prohibits vaping in schools and establishes enforcement mechanisms to create vape-free educational environments and reduce youth nicotine exposure.

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Bill Summary · HB 995

Legislative bill overview

HB 995, the Vape-Free Schools Act, proposes legislation to prohibit vaping and e-cigarette use in Georgia schools and school-related settings. The bill aims to create smoke-free and vape-free environments for students and staff by establishing penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Youth vaping has become a significant public health concern, with nicotine exposure affecting adolescent brain development and creating addiction pathways. Schools seeking to regulate vaping on campus face enforcement challenges, and state-level legislation provides a consistent legal framework across all Georgia school districts rather than patchwork local policies.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear how schools will identify, monitor, and penalize vaping violations, particularly with concealable devices and off-campus use by students
  • Scope and jurisdiction: Questions about whether the ban applies only to school buildings or extends to parking lots, sporting events, and school-sponsored activities, and who bears enforcement responsibility
  • Penalties and equity: Concerns that student disciplinary consequences may disproportionately affect certain demographic groups or create barriers to education if suspensions result

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

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