The following information was pulled from CSPNet.com where the Connivence Store and Fuel News posts blog updates on legislation that could affect the tobacco industry. According to the article the following tobacco related bills are pending in either the U.S. Senete or House of Representatives.
- The President’s proposed budget includes a 94 cents per pack increase on the federal cigarette tax and a proportionate tax increase for OTP products such as cigars. If the budget remains unchanged it could result in increase in the SCHIP tax.
- House Bill 1578 would increase tobacco taxes although “temporarily” to help fund the enrollment for individuals with preexisting condition insurance under the Affordable Health Care law.
- Senate Bills 39, 194 and 826 would enact a tobacco tax parity so that tobacco products such as cigars are taxed at the same rate as cigarettes.
- House Bill 662 would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to exempt traditional large and premium cigars from FDA regulation. It would also exempt user fees assessed on tobacco products by the FDA .
- House Bill 3042 would amend the Jenkins Act to prevent the interstate sale and delivery of e-cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco to minors. Which means people would need to provide proof of age either on order or receipt of delivery.
