Key points:
- The state of Washington has proposed a bill to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, which has been submitted to the state legislature for discussion.
- The ban is set to take effect in July 2027, with a $2 increase in cigarette tax per pack starting in January 2026, with some of the revenue being used for preventing youth smoking.
- 63% of Washington voters support the bill, which is expected to be reviewed in April.
According to a report by Mynorthwest on April 2, a new legislation has been introduced in the state of Washington, United States, aimed at banning the sale of flavored tobacco products. The bill was introduced by Democratic lawmakers and has been submitted for discussion in the state House and Senate.
The inspiration for the new bill comes from multiple studies showing that middle and high school students have a clear preference for flavored tobacco. Therefore, the Washington state legislature is once again proposing a ban on flavored tobacco. The new bill not only draws from past attempts to ban flavored tobacco products but also incorporates an increase in cigarette taxes.
Once approved, the ban will take effect on July 1, 2027, while the cigarette tax will increase by $2 per pack starting on January 1, 2026. The first $5 million of new cigarette tax revenue will be used for preventing youth smoking and e-cigarette use, with the rest going into the state government's general fund. According to data from the "Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids," Washington's cigarette tax currently ranks eighth among all 50 states in the US.
According to a public opinion poll conducted by FM3 at the end of November, 63% of the 910 Washington voters surveyed support the ban on the sale of flavored tobacco, while 33% oppose it, and 4% are undecided.
According to reports, six states have implemented varying degrees of restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products.
The bill is expected to be reviewed at the April meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee.
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