Meeting Public Comments

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SSB 3145

A bill for an act relating to the taxation of cigarettes, tobacco products, vapor products, and consumable hemp products, and making appropriations to the department of health and human services and the department of justice.

Agenda

Subcommittee members: Warme-CH, Drey, Sweeney

Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Location: Room 217 Conference Room

Comments Submitted:

The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

02-15-2026

Jason Semprini

The attached brief modelled projected changes in daily smoking/vaping in youth and young adults after SSB 3145 and an alternative HF 2406. The net effect of SSB 3145's cigarette and vape tax is projected to add 4084 daily youth smokers, due to the dominant substitution effect of the vape tax on youth behavior. This net effect on smoking is projected to be smaller in magnitude than the alternative HF 2406 (projected +7656 smokers). Estimates are similar for young adults, who are more responsive to cigarette tax changes than youth. Note, unlike alternatives, SSB 3145 includes a provision relating to the regressive aspect of these taxes by appropriating revenue to lowincome nutritional benefits. See attached brief for full model details and projected estimates.

Attachment