HB45 Summary

• Increases the state excise tax on cigarettes from 21.25 mills per cigarette to 37.5 mills per cigarette, raising the effective tax from $0.425 per pack to $0.75 per pack.

• All revenue generated from the increased cigarette tax shall be deposited into the State General Fund.

• The increased tax is exclusive and supersedes any additional local taxes and license fees on cigarettes imposed after May 18, 2004, though previously enacted local taxes remain operative.

• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.