According to a report from KFYR on February 13, lawmakers in North Dakota, USA, are calling for tax reforms on tobacco and nicotine products.
House Bill 1570 proposes the first increase in taxes on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products since 1993, as well as plans to impose additional taxes on e-cigarettes and other products such as nicotine pouches. Some of the tax revenue will be used to establish a Behavioral Health Fund.
The bill's sponsor, Representative Vicky Steiner, said that the purpose of the bill is not only to keep up with inflation, but also to prevent minors from using these products.
Retail store owners oppose this measure, arguing that they are not the source of underage use and labeling the bill as an attack on legal consumers. Mike Rud, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association, stated: "We are providing them with products that they are legally allowed to purchase at their age. We see no reason to strip them of that or punish them by making them pay more.
A financial report indicates that this bill will increase revenue by $20 million every two years. The House Ways and Means Committee has not yet taken action on this, with some members questioning whether raising taxes can truly deter minors from using these products.
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