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Bill

Bill

A 274

Increases the tax imposed on the sale of certain tobacco products and the retail sale of vapor products

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

A 274 would raise taxes on tobacco and vapor products sold at retail to increase revenue and potentially curb consumption.

REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
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Bill Summary · A 274

Summary of Assembly Bill A 274

Overview

A 274 is a bill titled “Increases the tax imposed on the sale of certain tobacco products and the retail sale of vapor products.” The measure proposes to raise excise taxes on two broad categories: (1) certain tobacco products and (2) vapor products sold at retail. The bill is currently in the Assembly Ways and Means committee, indicating a focus on fiscal and revenue implications. Primary sponsor: Linda Rosenthal.

What the bill would do (Key Provisions)

  • Increase the tax imposed on the sale of certain tobacco products.
  • Increase the tax imposed on the retail sale of vapor products (e.g., e-cigarettes and related devices).
  • The specific tax rates, base definitions, scope of products covered, and any indexing or phase-in provisions would be set forth in the bill text and any amendments.

Note: The available information does not include the exact tax rates, product definitions, or implementation timetable. Details would be specified in the enacted statute or subsequent amendments.

Who would be affected

  • Retailers and merchants that sell tobacco products and vapor products in the state.
  • Consumers who purchase taxed tobacco and vapor products, who would likely face higher prices.
  • State government, through potential changes in tax revenues used for general fund or health-related priorities (subject to fiscal analysis).

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • The bill’s referral to the Ways and Means committee signals a focus on revenue implications and budgetary impact.
  • Next procedural steps (not specified in the provided information) typically include committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Assembly. If approved, it would move to the Senate for consideration.
  • Since this is a Ways and Means measure, a formal fiscal impact assessment would accompany or follow the bill’s introduction, estimating revenue changes and potential economic effects.

Legislative history and related measures

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025.
  • Related bills (prior sessions): A 11123, A 678, A 86, indicating ongoing legislative interest in tobacco and vapor product taxation.
  • Sponsors: Linda Rosenthal (primary).

Practical considerations

  • The policy aim appears to be twofold: raise revenue and potentially deter consumption of tobacco and vapor products.
  • Consumers and small retailers may be most affected in the short term, with broader fiscal effects contingent on the enacted rates and any inflation-based indexing or exemptions.

For a complete understanding, the full text of A 274 and any amendments (including definitions, rate schedules, effective dates, and allocation of revenue) would be needed.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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