HB 19-1333 Summary

• Refers a ballot measure to voters in November 2019 for approval of tax increases: 8.75 cents per cigarette, 22% increase on tobacco products tax, and 62% tax on nicotine products (e-cigarettes).

• Creates a new nicotine products tax modeled after tobacco tax, requiring distributor licensing and quarterly tax returns; penalties apply for non-compliance.

• Dedicates 50% of new tax revenue to behavioral health services for children and youth plus healthcare affordability and accessibility; remaining 50% to preschool programs and expanded learning opportunities.

• Establishes the Colorado Expanded Learning Opportunities Program and Agency to fund out-of-school learning experiences for eligible students ages 3-20, administered through a nonprofit organization.

• Creates three new cash funds: Behavioral Health and Health Care Affordability and Accessibility Cash Fund, Preschool Programs Cash Fund, and Colorado Expanded Learning Opportunities Cash Fund; requires annual financial audits of revenues.