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New Bill Introduced In Congress That Could Ban Online Cigar Sales

A new bill has been introduced in Congress that could change how cigars are sold. The new bill proposed by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) would modify the Jenkins act that would lead to the ban of all internet cigar sales. The bill which is entitled Youth Vaping Prevention Act of 2019 would modify the Jenkins Act which was last modified in 2009 when it became illegal to mail cigarettes across state lines. If H.R. 293 is […]

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Mississippi Introduces Bill To Raise Tobacco Purchase Age

The Magnolia State has seen a bill introduced that would raise the tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21 in Mississippi. House Bill No. 507 has been introduced by Rep. Bryant W. Clark  (D-47) if passed would go into effect on July 1, 2019. The proposed bill has fines up to $1,000 for retailers and up to $50 or up to 72 hours community service for those under age caught with tobacco. The bill which […]

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Minnesota Introduces Bill To Raise Tobacco Purchase Age

The Land of 10,000 Lakes has seen a bill introduced that would raise the tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21. The bill introduced by Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-49A) is co-authored by Rena Moran (DFL-65A), Sandy Layman (R-58), Dave Baker (R-17B), Kelly Morrison (DFL-33B), Jennifer Schultz (DFL-07A) and Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL-41B). The measure could become problematic for smokers in the state as the bill contains language that includes the prohibiting of tobacco in public schools […]

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Maine Representative Introduces Beverage Bill For Cigar Lounges

Maine State Representative Matthew Harrington (R-Sanford) has introduced a bill that calls on the common sense of the Maine Legislature. Currently in the state of Maine it is illegal for a cigar shop to sell any type of beverage be it alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Bill LD 343  / H.P. 269 would change that  by allowing cigar lounges to serve beverages. According to the summary of the bill, “This bill allows a tobacco specialty store to […]

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New Mexico

New Mexico Reintroduces Bill To Increase Cigar Tax Over 200%

As the 2019 Legislative session was about to get underway, State Senator Cisco McSorely (D-Albuquerque) introduced bill that would dramatically raise the tobacco tax by 204%. Shortly after introducing the bill that would be catastrophic to retailers in New Mexico the Senator resigned his seat to take a job in the administration of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill sat in the legislature without a sponsor and the hope that it would go away. However […]

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Hawaii Lawmakers Propose Tax Cap on Cigars

A pair of bills have been introduced in the state of Hawaii that would limit the tax on cigars. The bills intoduced at the Hawaii State Legislature were in the House via HB 331 from Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura, (D-14) and in the Senate via SB 222 from Sen. Ronald D. Kouchi (D-8). The introduced bills would limit the tax on cigars to a 50 cent cap instead of the current 50% of the wholesale price. […]

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Indiana Introduces Bill To Raise Tobacco Age To 21

You can add Indiana to the growing list of states to introduce a bill this year that would raise the tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21. Senate Bill No. 425  was introduced by Randall Head (R-18) and James Merritt (R-31) and has been referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services. The bill follows a similar footprint to the one passed in Massachusetts and proposed in Vermont by proposing an exemption to those who turn […]

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Nebraska Legislator Proposes Cigar Tax Cap

The state of Nebraska currently has a tobacco tax of 20% on “cigars, cheroots, and stogie.” However, that could change thanks to Sen. Justin Wayne (D-13/Omaha), who introduced a bill that would amend the current tax to a 50 cent cap. The bill has been assigned to the Committee on Finance and can be read below. LB429 on Scribd

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Oregon Introduces Bill To Remove Cigar Tax Cap

The state of Oregon saw the introduction of bill HB 2158 which would remove the tax cap on cigars. Currently cigars are taxed at 65% of the wholesale price with a 50 cent cap. The new measure which had its first reading removes the cap and places the tax at 65% of the wholesale price. The bill currently had it’s first reading on January 14th, and it currently sits on the Speakers desk awaiting referral. […]

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