Bill Description: House Bill 330 would cap the existing 40% tax on cigars at 50 cents per cigar.

Rating: +1

NOTE: House Bill 330 appears to be identical to Senate Bill 1108, which passed the Senate 31-2-2 on March 6, 2023. Presumably, this alternative was introduced in the House out of concern that the Senate Bill might run afoul of the state constitutional requirement, found in Article III, Section 14, that "bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of representatives." 

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase any taxes, fees, or other assessments? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce any taxes, fees, or other assessments?

Idaho imposes an onerous 40% tax on tobacco products. House Bill 330 would not lower this percentage, but it would amend sections 63-2552 and 63-2552A, Idaho Code, to cap this tax at 50 cents per cigar. 

It would be better to reduce this discriminatory tax on tobacco products or eliminate it altogether, rather than to provide minor tax relief for just one subset of products.

Nevertheless, this bill would reduce taxes slightly, which is a good thing.

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