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NH HB1596
Bill
Status
12/10/2025
Primary Sponsor
Jerry Stringham
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AI Summary
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Increases the tobacco tax from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack of 20 cigarettes or little cigars, effective July 1, 2026
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Appropriates $18 million annually to the University System of New Hampshire to restore higher education funding to 2024 budget levels
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Repeals premium collection requirements for the Children's Health Insurance Program and the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program
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Estimated to generate approximately $83.9 million in additional tobacco tax revenue annually, split between the General Fund (61%) and Education Trust Fund (39%)
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Repealing healthcare program premiums will increase state expenditures by approximately $16 million annually ($11 million for children's health insurance, $5 million for Granite Advantage)
Legislative Description
Relative to the collection of certain health care program premiums; funding for the university system of New Hampshire; and raising the tobacco tax.
Last Action
Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted Regular Calendar 200-157 02/12/2026 House Journal 4
2/12/2026