2019 -- H 6106

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LC002384

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO TAXATION -- CIGARETTE AND OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Tobon, Barros, Diaz, Johnston, and Blazejewski

     Date Introduced: May 10, 2019

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 44-20 of the General Laws entitled "Cigarette and Other Tobacco

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Products Tax" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     44-20-13.6. Smokers' health assistance fund.

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     In addition to any other tax or charge pursuant to this chapter, a fifteen cent ($0.15)

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surcharge is imposed on all packages of cigarettes or other nicotine delivery devices for use in

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offsetting the cost incurred by the state of Rhode Island for the care and treatment of persons

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diagnosed by a physician with an illness directly related to smoking. The proceeds collected shall

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be paid into the smokers' health assistance fund managed by the department of health for the

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exclusive purposes specified in this section. The department of health shall establish protocols

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related to the assessment and treatment of individuals covered by the smokers' health assistance

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fund.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TAXATION -- CIGARETTE AND OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX

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     This act would establish the smokers' health assistance fund by imposing a fifteen cent

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($0.15) surcharge on cigarettes and other nicotine delivery devices.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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