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Utah Senate approves modest cigarette tax increase amid debate over timing and equity
Summary
The Senate voted 18–11 to raise the state cigarette tax by 4.5 cents per pack, funding youth tobacco-prevention programs; the measure drew objections from senators who said a tax increase was inappropriate in a year of large surpluses.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 28 approved Substitute House Bill 43 to raise the cigarette tax by 4.5 cents per pack and earmark the revenue for tobacco-prevention, youth education and compliance programs. The bill passed after floor debate and a closely watched roll-call vote.
Senator Montgomery, leading floor debate on the measure, described the proposal and distributed technical amendment language (SEG 4160–4176). Several senators argued against raising taxes in a year when the state was running a large surplus and questioned the fairness of a targeted "sin tax." Senator Blalinder (floor speaker opposing the bill) said raising taxes amid a surplus was "inappropriate" (SEG 4316–4324). Other supporters emphasized the prevention programs the tax would fund and argued for user-pay policy.
A string of proposed amendments — including an idea to tie the increase to a Wyoming tax hike — failed, and another amendment dealing with local sales-tax options was debated and voted down in a division before the bill went forward (SEG 4438–4480). Senator Dimitri publicly defended his past campaign contributions from the tobacco industry when his motives were questioned on the floor (SEG 4211–4227).
Final action: The Senate passed Substitute HB 43 by a recorded vote of 18 ayes to 11 nays (SEG 4602–4604). Passed language earmarks revenue for youth tobacco education, increased compliance checks and other prevention-focused activities.
Next steps: The bill was forwarded to the House for final signature and enrollment. Sponsors said program details and enforcement provisions would be implemented administratively as the revenue becomes available.
Representative excerpt: "These taxes are to be used as follows for the enhancement and expansion of current tobacco prevention programs in schools..." (floor summary of program uses, SEG 4340–4343).
