MO HB1023

Increases the cigarette excise tax from 8.5 mills to 49 mills per cigarette (approximately 17 cents to 98 cents per pack of 20), contingent on voter approval in November 2011

Tax rate reverts to 6.5 mills per cigarette if the General Assembly appropriates 25 percent of net federal reimbursement allowance to the health initiatives fund

Revenue from the additional 40.5 mills tax is distributed as follows: 30% to elementary and secondary education, 20% to higher education, 15% to capital improvements and state building bonds, 10% to public safety, 5% each to health and senior services and mental health, and 15% to general revenue

Requires voter approval via referendum on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2011 or at a special election called by the governor

Becomes effective only upon approval by a majority of votes cast at the election