Wyoming revenue committee advances bill repealing most tobacco excise taxes; health groups warn of public-health costs

Senate File 163, a partial repeal of Wyomingtobacco products excise tax, advanced out of the Senate Revenue Committee on a 4-1 roll call after testimony from retailers, the Department of Revenue and multiple public‑health organizations.

Senator Pappas introduced the bill as an attempt to simplify taxation of noncigarette tobacco products and to ease administrative burdens on small retailers and the Department of Revenue. "The administrative overhead to collect this tax is huge," Senator Pappas said, adding the fiscal note showed limited revenue from the existing excise and that online collection has been difficult. The bill would keep the existing cigarette excise in place while repealing excise taxes on moist snuff, other tobacco products (including many cigars and roll‑your‑own tobacco) and vapor material, effective July 1, 2025, as stated by the sponsor.

The bill drew support from retailers and trade groups who said unit‑based or ad valorem rules for…