Monday, May 09 2011
(Source: IPCPR.org)
State Legislation - Maryland
Bill #: SB654
Year: 2011
Bill Summary:
Would increase the excise tax on other tobacco products by 80% of the wholesale price of the products (from 15% to 95% of the wholesale price). Would specify that the excise tax on cigars shall be increased to 95% of the wholesale price of the product, not to exceed $3.00 per cigar. Would define "cigar" to mean a cylindrical roll of cured tobacco. Would increase the cigarette excise tax by $1.00 per pack (from $2.00 to $3.00 per pack). Would modify the excise tax on small-cigar cigarettes from 15% of the wholesale price of the product to the same rate used for cigarettes - $3.00 per pack. Would define "small-cigar cigarette" to mean: (1) a small, thin cigar with the approximate dimensions of a cigarette; or (2) a cigarette wrapped in tobacco instead of paper. Would specify that the excise tax on conventional moist snuff smokeless tobacco shall be increased to 95% of the wholesale price of the product, or $3.00 per 1.2 ounce container, whichever is greater.
Would define "conventional moist snuff smokeless tobacco" to mean any finely cut, ground or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked. Would specify that the excise tax on roll-your-own tobacco shall be increased to 95% of the wholesale price of the product, or $3.00 per 0.65 ounces, whichever is greater. Would define "roll-your-own tobacco" to mean any tobacco which is suitable as tobacco for consumers to make cigarettes or cigars, or to smoke in a pipe. Would tax single dose smokeless tobacco at 95% of the wholesale price of the product, or 15 cents per dose, whichever is greater. Would define "single-dose smokeless tobacco" to mean any finely cut, ground,or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked and is divided by the manufacturer into uniform, individual dose servings. "Single-dose smokeless tobacco" would include snus and lozenges. Would create the "Other Tobacco Products Tax Fund." Would consist of revenue generated from the excise tax on other tobacco products and would be used to provide supplemental funding to the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program. Would be effective July 1, 2011.
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