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Utah House approves substitute to raise cigarette tax and create restricted fund for children’s programs
Summary
The Utah House passed substitute House Bill 43, a cigarette-tax increase that creates a restricted fund for youth-prevention programs and other priorities; amendments added wildfire suppression funding and required outcome measures for funded programs. The final vote was 44–27.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House on Feb. 8 passed substitute House Bill 43, a measure to increase the state cigarette tax and direct additional revenue to programs aimed at reducing youth tobacco use and related services.
Representative James Tanner, the bill’s floor sponsor, urged passage, saying the measure responds to public concern for young people: "I think the people of, Utah, the citizens and our constituents have spoken loudly and clearly that they want this legislation passed, and I think the youth of Utah are expecting us to do that today." The substitute passed on a recorded vote, 44–27.
Supporters framed the change as a funding vehicle for prevention, education and interdiction programs. Representative Atkinson, explaining a version of the substitute, said the measure would deposit revenues from the cigarette tax into a restricted fund beginning Jan. 1, 1997, with the first $25,500,000 maintaining the general fund and additional growth directed to child-focused programs.
Lawmakers amended the bill on the floor. Representative Hatch’s pink-sheet amendment redirected $1 million to wildland fire suppression efforts tied to legislation creating that fund; the House adopted the amendment. Representative Mortimer successfully added a requirement that "all programs receiving funding shall record outcome measures to determine effectiveness," a provision proponents said would improve accountability.
Opponents characterized the substitute as a general tax increase rather than a lasting earmark for prevention. Representative Carlson said constituents had been informed that the funding "goes into the general fund" after the initial year, and warned that short-term appropriations could be lost in future budget competition. Representative Garn and others described the underlying public-health and fiscal stakes, citing studies of tobacco-related medical costs.
Members debated whether the measure created a permanent credit or merely a one-year appropriation and whether earmarking taxes was the best way to ensure sustained prevention funding. Supporters pointed to provisions that would direct future revenue growth into the restricted children's fund; critics argued the measure did not guarantee long-term funding without further statutory dedication.
The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.
Votes at a glance: substitute House Bill 43 — passed, 44 yes, 27 no.
What’s next: With the House passage, the bill is transmitted to the Utah Senate for its consideration and possible further amendment.
