Increases the cigarette tax from $0.17 per pack of 20 cigarettes to $0.37 per pack or an amount equal to the lowest tax levied by any other state, whichever is less, upon voter approval

HB 1591 increases the cigarette tax from $0.17 to $0.37 per pack (or the lowest tax rate among other states, whichever is lower), effective only if approved by voters in a November 2026 election. The bill requires cigarette tax stamps to be affixed to each package, with revenue from the tax split between school funding (via the "Fair Share Fund") and health initiatives (via the "Health Initiatives Fund"). It also mandates annual updates to the tax rate based on other states' rates, effective January 1st each year. This change directly affects cigarette consumers, retailers, and state revenue streams, with the tax rate adjustment tied to voter approval.