MS SB2445

Increases the excise tax on cigarettes from 3.4 cents to 4.9 cents per cigarette, with cigarettes exceeding 120 millimeters taxed as multiple cigarettes.

Maintains the existing 15% excise tax rate on cigars, cheroots, stogies, snuff, chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco, and other tobacco products (excluding cigarettes).

Reduces dealer compensation for stamps purchased after June 1, 1985, from 8% to 4% discount on additional face value.

Includes a provision that if federal cigarette tax rates are reduced below the June 1, 1985 level, the state tax rate shall increase by the amount of the federal reduction.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.