NC S478

Creates a Tobacco Use Prevention Fund within the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health to prevent tobacco use among youth and people of childbearing age, especially targeting new and emerging tobacco products including electronic cigarettes.

Authorizes use of Fund monies for regional prevention programs in all 100 North Carolina counties, evidence-based education campaigns, technical assistance, enforcement of tobacco age restrictions, and independent university-based evaluation of prevention program effectiveness.

Permits the Department to disburse funds to local health departments and organizations committed to tobacco prevention that do not receive tobacco industry funding, with up to 25% of appropriated amounts available for Fund administration.

Appropriates $17 million for fiscal year 2017-2018 and $17 million for fiscal year 2018-2019 from the General Fund to support the Tobacco Use Prevention Fund.

Becomes effective July 1, 2017.