Bill > H3074

This bill modifies the existing excise tax laws in Massachusetts for cigarettes, cigars, and smoking tobacco with the aim of protecting youth from nicotine addiction. Specifically, the bill increases the excise tax on cigarettes from 150 1/2 mills to 200 1/2 mills per cigarette, and imposes an 80% excise tax on the wholesale price of cigars and smoking tobacco. The bill requires manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and other tobacco product sellers to file an inventory report within 21 days of the law's effective date and pay an additional 50 mills per cigarette tax on existing cigarette stocks. The legislation also mandates that cigarette distributors and unclassified acquirers pay the new excise tax when importing or selling tobacco products, with exemptions for exported products or those not subject to state taxation. The bill aims to increase the financial burden of tobacco products, potentially discouraging their use, particularly among young people, while generating additional revenue for the state through increased taxation.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3074