New Bill in Utah Proposes 86.5 Percent E-Cig Tax

news.yahoo.com

The Utah Legislature has introduced a bill (HB333) last month that would see a 86.5 percent tax on e-cigarettes in the state. This would be the same taxation that is placed on “other non-cigarette tobacco products,” according to a story in The Salt Lake Tribune.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Paul Ray (R-Clinton) told the Tribune that e-cigarettes aren’t taxed now because they are relatively new and have never been put into the tax code as a tobacco product.

“It has nicotine in it, so it is a tobacco product,” Ray said. He cited trying to cut down e-cigarette use in teens as a reason for the proposed tax, saying that e-cigarettes are targeting youth with various marketing campaigns. He said that he would use the revenue to “improve health care in rural areas.” Other lawmakers would like to see the revenue help expand Medicaid benefits.

Various lawmakers and e-cigarette supporters, such as SFATA, have spoken out against the tax.

For the full story, visit http://www.sltrib.com/news/3532259-155/e-cigarettes-may-face-an-865-tax.

 

New Bill in Utah Proposes 86.5 Percent E-Cig Tax