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House approves substitute tobacco-tax bill after hours of debate; 39–35
Summary
The Utah House passed first substitute HB 196 on March 2, 2010, raising the cigarette tax to roughly $1.695 per pack and adding a 3‑year escalator tied to a national average; the floor vote was 39 yes, 35 no. Multiple amendments to earmark revenue for enforcement, public health or the National Guard failed.
The Utah House of Representatives passed first substitute House Bill 196 on March 2, 2010, voting 39 to 35 to raise the state cigarette tax to about $1.695 per pack and to add a three‑year automatic adjustment intended to keep Utah roughly $0.10 above a specified national average.
Representative Ray, who sponsored the substitute, told colleagues the measure is aimed primarily at reducing smoking and preventing youth initiation while also generating revenue. Ray said the bill's escalator clause will recalibrate taxes every three years by taking a national average that excludes six tobacco‑producing states and ensuring Utah’s tax remains at least $0.10 higher (Representative Ray). He also noted a $250,000 earmark in the text for the Gold Medal School program, a school‑based fitness and prevention program (Representative Ray).
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