HB 5631
Relating to the Tobacco Products Excise Tax Act
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends West Virginia’s Tobacco Products Excise Tax Act to increase taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products. It introduces a definition for "electronic smoking devices" (e-cigarettes) and repeals discounts on tax stamps. Furthermore, the bill directs that 10% of the revenue generated from these increased taxes be dedicated to the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention. Several sections of the original act are also repealed.
Key provisions
- Defines "electronic smoking device" to include various vaping products and related components.
- Increases the excise tax rate on cigarettes from $2.70 to $3.20 per 20 cigarettes.
- Increases the excise tax rate on other tobacco products from 12% to 15% of the wholesale price.
- Repeals discounts on tax stamps.
- Establishes a dedicated funding stream of 10% of tobacco tax revenue for the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention.
- Repeals sections related to municipal tobacco taxes and specific e-cigarette regulations.
- Clarifies definitions related to ‘wholesale price’ and ‘wholesaler’.
Who is affected
- Tobacco product manufacturers
- Retailers of tobacco products
- Consumers of tobacco products
- The West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention
- The State of West Virginia (through increased tax revenue)
Notable changes
- The bill significantly increases tobacco excise taxes, impacting consumer prices.
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