Major Legislative Alert: Why Senate Bill S265 Matters for North Carolina's Healthy Alternatives Industry
North Carolina: The Time to Act Is Now
The North Carolina Healthy Alternatives Association (NCHAA) is calling on all supporters of wellness, choice, and responsible industry practices to take action today.
A new bill — S265, the Protecting Our Communities Act — has just passed its first reading in the North Carolina Senate and is currently awaiting committee assignment in the Senate Rules Committee. This bill is a pivotal opportunity for our state to show leadership in supporting healthy lifestyle choices, harm reduction alternatives, and responsible consumer access.
Your voice matters — and the future of our industry depends on it.
What Is Senate Bill S265?
Senate Bill S265, also known as the Protecting Our Communities Act, is a piece of legislation designed to support and protect responsible access to healthy alternatives, including vaping and other wellness-related products.
Here’s what it aims to do:
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✅ Protect access to legal, regulated alternatives to traditional tobacco
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✅ Empower adults to make informed, health-conscious decisions
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✅ Safeguard small businesses operating responsibly within the wellness industry
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✅ Establish clear guidelines to prevent youth access without banning adult choice
This bill is fully supported by NCHAA and represents a major legislative win if passed.
Why This Bill Matters to You
Whether you're a consumer, small business owner, or advocate for public health and personal freedom, this bill has direct implications for your community and livelihood. Without action, there’s a risk that:
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❌ Consumer choices will be restricted through over-regulation
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❌ Small businesses could be forced to shut down
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❌ Public health progress made through harm reduction could be reversed
Passing S265 would be a monumental win for North Carolina, showcasing that the state values both community health and individual rights.
How You Can Help – Contact Your Senators
NCHAA has made it simple to make your voice heard. By scanning the QR code on the image shared above or visiting our advocacy page, you can easily contact your local senators to let them know you support S265.
3 Steps to Take Right Now:
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Scan the QR code (see image above or click here if you're reading this on our site).
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Fill out the quick form to send a message of support.
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Share this post with friends, colleagues, and fellow advocates.
Let’s flood the inboxes of North Carolina Senators with clear, respectful support for this essential legislation.
NCHAA’s Role in This Fight
As the leading advocate for healthy alternatives in North Carolina, NCHAA works tirelessly to:
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Educate lawmakers and the public
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Promote science-backed alternatives to smoking
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Protect consumer access to wellness products
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Support responsible industry practices
We are proud to stand behind S265 and hope you’ll stand with us, too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does S265 actually change?
A1: S265 outlines a framework to protect adult access to healthy alternatives while implementing safeguards to prevent youth misuse.
Q2: How does this impact small businesses?
A2: It offers protection against blanket bans and helps small, responsible businesses stay compliant and operational.
Q3: Will this bill make it easier for kids to access vape products?
A3: No. It strengthens rules against underage access while preserving adult choice.
Q4: Why is NCHAA supporting this bill?
A4: Because it strikes the right balance between safety, regulation, and freedom of choice.
Q5: Can I still take action even if I don’t live in North Carolina?
A5: Yes! Share the message and encourage friends or family in NC to contact their lawmakers.
Q6: Where can I learn more about S265?
A6: You can visit the official North Carolina legislature site or NCHAA's website for full bill details.
Conclusion: Let's Win This Together
This is more than a bill — it’s a movement. It’s a stand for responsible access, for adult freedom, and for the future of the healthy alternatives industry in North Carolina. We need your voice now more than ever.
Join NCHAA in supporting S265. Contact your senators today and share this message across your networks.