A Minnesota House division has approved a bill that would raise taxes on cigarettes, cigars and tobacco products.
The bill (sponsored by Duluth DFL Rep. Jennifer Schultz) would increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1.50, bringing the total excise tax to $4.54 per pack.
It would increase the tax rate by two percent on other tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and chew … and the tax cap on premium cigars from 50 cents to five dollars.
E-cigarette devices would also be taxed as tobacco products.
The bill would also fund new campaigns to help people quit smoking and stop others from starting.
The House Preventive Health Policy Division voted 7-to-4 along party lines to pass the bill, and refer it to the House Health Finance and Policy Committee.
A companion bill awaits action in a Senate committee.