SB471 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment to phase out state sales and use tax on food over a four-year period, reducing from 3% (January 1, 2015) to 2% (September 1, 2015) to 1% (September 1, 2016) to 0% (September 1, 2017).

• Increases state cigarette tax in incremental steps from 33.75 mills per cigarette (January 1, 2015) to 46.25 mills (September 1, 2015) to 58.75 mills (September 1, 2016) to 71.25 mills (September 1, 2017).

• Defines food as items eligible for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, excluding candy and soft drinks; excludes milk products and beverages with greater than 50% fruit or vegetable juice.

• Excludes revenue reductions from the Education Trust Fund's annual Fiscal Year Appropriation Cap calculations after September 30, 2014.

• Requires voter approval through a statewide election held at the next primary, general, or special election, with ballot language describing the phase-out of food sales tax and increase in cigarette tax over four years.