California Bill Targets Nicotine Testing in Student Sports

According to CBS News, lawmakers in California are advancing a bill that would allow schools to include nicotine in drug tests for student-athletes, responding to rising concerns over youth vaping and tobacco use.

The proposal would apply only to schools that already conduct drug testing for athletes, giving them the option to screen for nicotine. It could affect students as young as seventh grade.

Bill author Heather Hadwick said the surge in youth vaping is alarming and that the measure builds on her earlier tobacco prevention efforts in Modoc County. She added that she was surprised the issue had not received more attention at the state level.

An earlier version of the bill included a rule that would have barred students from sports after three positive tests. However, that provision has been removed following opposition. Under the revised version, disciplinary decisions would be left to individual schools. Hadwick emphasized the bill is not intended to punish students, but to connect those who test positive with support and treatment.

Opposition remains. Groups including Mental Health America of California have raised concerns about how testing policies might be applied. Critics argue that testing based on “reasonable suspicion” could lead to disproportionate impacts on students of color.

The bill will now move to the state assembly’s education committee for further review. Hadwick noted that about 7% of California high school students report using nicotine products and said sports participation can serve as a strong incentive for students to quit.