Kentucky House Panel Approves $50 Million Tax Increase on Vaping & Tobacco Products
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Last month, a Kentucky House committee approved a bill to add tax on vaping products as well as increase the existing tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes. The tax would raise $50 million over the next two years.
Currently vaping products are only subject to the 6% sales tax. This new bill would add vaping items to the list of “other tobacco products” which would make them subjected to related taxes. The wholesale tax on these products is currently 15% and would increase to 25% if the bill passes.
In his budget proposal, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear recommended a 10-cent increase in the tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products and a new 10-cent-per-milliliter tax on vaping liquid.
Despite the dangerous side effects, vaping has become an epidemic across Kentucky’s middle and high schools. Our own Ronald Johnson is helping lead 5 schools in a legal battle against vape manufacturer Juul.
President of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, Ben Chandler, explained that adding these taxes on “other tobacco products” will not only provide a boost in state revenue, but will discourage youths from buying the products.
Many youths have become a victim to vaping and have are inhaling concentrated nicotine vapor at young ages. “These kids are as young as 11 and 12 years old,” said Chandler. “And they are experimenting with a product containing high levels of nicotine and made in such a way that it can hook them almost overnight, subjecting them to a lifelong addiction that is among the most difficult addictions on Earth to break.”
At Hendy | Johnson | Vaughn | Emery we are dedicated to putting an end to this epidemic facing both our state and our country. We will keep you updated as we learn more about this proposed bill.
If you or a loved one has suffered adverse side effects from vaping, don’t hesitate to contact our team to learn about your legal options.
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