Increases the cigarette tax from $0.17 per pack of 20 cigarettes to $0.27 per pack to be used for public education and health care purposes, upon voter approval

HB 521 would increase the cigarette tax from $0.17 to $0.27 per pack (20 cigarettes) to generate revenue for public education and health care. The funds would be split as 53% for public schools, 23.5% for a health initiatives fund, and 23.5% for the Fair Share Fund (supporting education). The bill requires voter approval in a 2026 election to take effect, as specified in the legislation. It applies to all cigarette sales in the state, with retailers responsible for collecting and remitting the tax.