The North Dakota Legislature is currently considering a bill that would raise taxes on tobacco products in the state. Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan of Fargo is the sponsor of the bill, known as SB 2281. If passed, the bill would increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 25 cents, bringing it to 69 cents. Additionally, cigars would see a 32 percent tax, while electronic cigarettes and vapes would have a 28 percent tax on wholesale purchases.
One of the main goals of the bill is to create a special fund, with half of the raised money going to Health and Human Services to support local public health units. While Hogan and other supporters believe that raising the tax on nicotine products would benefit the overall health of today’s youth, some groups opposing the bill claim that the proposed tax increase is not substantial enough.
Another similar bill, HB 1570, has been submitted in the House which would increase the price of cigarettes by over a dollar per pack. Senator Hogan is in support of this bill as well, emphasizing the importance of addressing youth smoking as a public health concern. The North Dakota Legislature will continue to debate and consider these bills in the coming weeks.
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