Kentucky Bill Raises Tax On E-Cigarettes and Cigars

The bill passed through the Kentucky State House with a 75-17 vote.

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(Frankfort, KY) - Kentucky State Rep. Jerry Miller presented his bill on increasing tax on E-cigarettes and other tobacco goods other than regular cigarettes yesterday to the Kentucky State House.

House Bill 32 will raise the tax on vaping goods at 25 percent. His bill also proposes raising the tax on tobacco goods such as cigars, and roll papers from 15 percent to 25 percent. It is Miller's hope that with this increase it will discourage teen tobacco use stating that younger people are more price sensitive.  

Terry Brooks, from the Kentucky Youth Advocates, said “We applaud Representative Jerry Miller and the Kentucky House for passing House Bill 32 and ask that, as it advances to the Senate, the measure go a step further by enacting a tax equivalent to that currently on cigarettes to make a real impact for young people. Our kids depend on adults speaking up for the best interests of their health and well-being.”

Along with decreasing teen tobacco use, Miller is also hoping that the bill will raise state revenue, he says that in the next two years the state should see a “$50 million revenue increase.”

The bill passed through the Kentucky State House with a 75-17 vote and will now be moving onto the Senate.