House concurs with Senate amendments to tobacco revenue bill after debate over prevention funding

The Utah House of Representatives voted to concur with Senate amendments to second substitute House Bill 238 after floor debate over how tobacco-settlement and tax revenues should be used.

Representative (Speaker Pro Tem) summarized the Senate changes, saying the amendment reduced funding for cessation and prevention programs to $3,000,000, increased a Huntsman allocation by about $500,000 and increased the general fund by roughly $800,000, while keeping a $3,000,000 match provision for advertising dollars.

Representative Shurtleff opposed the change on the floor, arguing the state already receives about $30 million a year from tobacco-industry settlements and that half of that was set aside in a trust (about $15 million) intended for long-term use. He said the amendment effectively diverts money away from prevention into the general fund and voiced concern about taxing a segment of society that would not see commensurate prevention funding.

Supporters, including Representative Wallace and Representative Baskupski, said the tax and reallocation were justified because tobacco-related diseases impose costs on the state and the amendments still direct significant funding to prevention and treatment. Baskupski said he generally opposed tax increases but planned to support the bill because he believed most funds would go to a good cause.

The House clerk recorded that second substitute House Bill 238 received 40 yes votes and 28 no votes. The bill will be returned to the Senate for further action.

What happens next: The bill returns to the Senate for concurrence on the House vote and any additional steps required under the legislative process.