Bill > HB1856

This bill proposes to increase the cigarette tax and requires voter approval in the November 2026 election. Specifically, beginning January 1, 2027, the bill would add an additional five mills (0.5 cents) per cigarette tax on top of the existing cigarette tax. The new tax revenue would be distributed as follows: 23.5% to the fair share fund, 23.5% to the health initiatives fund, and 53% to the state school moneys fund. The bill includes a provision limiting licensees from purchasing more than 110% of their previous year's stamp volume in the six months before the tax modification. The tax increase is designed to generate additional revenue for public education and healthcare purposes, with a voter referendum mechanism to determine its implementation. The bill maintains existing tax collection and stamping procedures while adding a new revenue allocation framework for the additional tax.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1856&year=2026&code=R