North Dakota
North Dakota bill proposes cigarette tax hike, includes e-cigarettes
BISMARCK — A bill introduced at the North Dakota Legislature would increase the state’s tax on cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products.
House Bill 1570 would also put a tax on e-cigarettes.
The coalition “Stand Up for Youth-ND” is in favor of the bill and says research shows a tax increase would be beneficial.
Research from the American Heart Association (AHA) shows that the tax increase would prevent 500 youths from becoming adults who smoke and prevent 400 smoking-caused premature deaths.
Tony Burke, AHA government relations director, says the tax increase has been a long time coming.
“It’s not been touched since 1993. There’s been no increase. This pricing is at 49th in the nation, basically dead last. And we know there’s a direct correlation to increase in the commercial tobacco prices to decrease usage,” Burke said.
The bill has been referred to a House committee and will be in a hearing next Wednesday.