Bill > S1714

This bill proposes to amend the existing law regarding the taxation of alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Increasing the excise tax rates on various types of alcoholic beverages, such as malt beverages, cider, wine, champagne, and other spirits, with the rates ranging from $0.1073 per barrel of malt beverages to $7.51 per wine gallon or proof gallon for high-alcohol content beverages. 2. Requiring all licensed manufacturers, winegrowers, farmer-brewers, pub-brewers, wholesalers, and importers of alcoholic beverages to pay the excise tax on their sales within the Commonwealth. 3. Allowing the Commissioner of Revenue to adjust the excise tax rates for inflation every five years and promulgate regulations to impose any additional excise tax. 4. Directing the revenue from the excise tax to be credited to the Commonwealth's Pension Liability Fund (9%), public health and wellness programs (50%), and the General Fund (the remaining balance). The bill aims to ensure a fair and updated taxation system for alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts, with the revenue being allocated to address pension liabilities, substance misuse prevention, domestic violence prevention, and other public health initiatives.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1714