HI HB273

Imposes a new excise tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes, little cigars, and large cigars, effective July 1, 2011, at a rate to be determined (blank in bill text).

Establishes minimum tax rates for various tobacco product categories including large cigars, single-use products like lozenges and pouches, smokeless tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco, calculated as percentages of the tax on a pack of twenty cigarettes.

Requires cigars with a wholesale price under $1.00 to be sold in minimum packages of five cigars, and mandates minimum package sizes for other tobacco products (at least twenty single-use units, one ounce for smokeless tobacco, 0.65 ounces for roll-your-own tobacco).

Directs revenues from the new tobacco product tax to the Department of Health for tobacco prevention programs and tobacco dependence treatment services, with annual reporting to the legislature.

Effective date of July 1, 2050.