By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

Following a 2025 legislative session that saw the Utah State Legislature move forward with a ban on nearly all vapes, Utah’s legislative branch is again taking aim at the nicotine industry, this time through an increase to the state’s cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack. The proposal would also raise the tax on other nicotine products.

HB337, introduced by Rep. Tyler Clancy (R-Provo), would not only increase the sales tax levied on cigarettes but would also replace a weight-based tax rate for moist snuff and alternative nicotine products with a tax rate based on a percentage of the manufacturer’s sales price. It also repeals existing provisions that reduce the tax rate for certain modified risk tobacco products.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network has signaled support for the bill, calling it one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially among kids.

“It’s been 16 years since Utah lawmakers last raised the tobacco tax,” said Brook Carlisle, ACS CAN Utah Government Relations Director. “During that time, Big Tobacco has been allowed to hook even more generations to their products – including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Smoking continues to be the leading preventable cause of death in Utah. Our lawmakers have an obligation to protect future generations of our state from becoming addicted to these products. Supporting HB 337 is one way they can do just that.”

Representatives from the tobacco industry, as well as groups like the Utah Retail Merchants Association and the Utah Taxpayers Association, opposed the increase. They argued that it could drive buyers to travel to other states to purchase nicotine products. Others argued that the increase on nicotine alternatives would have a negative impact on those looking to quit smoking.

Ultimately, the bill passed out of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee by a 9-2 vote, moving it to the House floor.

If passed, the increases would go into effect on July 1.