Much has been written about the so-called “Baucus amendment” to the $109 billion federal transportation bill.
Legislation
Worcester Tobacco Advertising Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Posted in Legislation
A federal court in Massachusetts has ruled unconstitutional an ordinance that banned outdoor advertising of tobacco products in the City of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Bill to Exempt SPMs from Mississippi “Equity Tax” Dies in Committee
Posted in Legislation
A bill that would have exempted Subsequent Participating Manufacturers (SPMs) to the Master Settlement Agreement from Mississippi’s so-called “equity tax” or “nonsettling manufacturers fee” has died in committee.
Tennessee Bill Would Expand Escrow Enforcement
Posted in Legislation
A bill pending in the Tennessee legislature (SB 3578 / HB 3632) would expand enforcement of escrow obligations.
New Mexico Bill Would More than Double Tobacco Products Taxes, and Perhaps Tax E-Cigarettes
Posted in Legislation
A bill has been introduced in the New Mexico legislature that would more than double the tax rate on OTP — tobacco products other than cigarettes, such as smokeless and cigars — from 25% of the product’s value to 57% of the product’s value.
Proliferation of Remote Sales from Abroad — An Unintended Consequence of the PACT Act?
Posted in Legislation, State Regulatory
The 2010 Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act imposes a functional ban on remote sales of cigarettes. U.S. Mail cigarette deliveries are now prohibited.
Virginia House of Delegates Subcommittee Tables
Posted in Legislation, Significant Cases
Legislation introduced by Delegate Patrick Hope (D – Alexandria) last week, House Bill 160, was tabled by a subcommittee of the House of Delegate’s Finance Committee on Friday.
Virginia Lawmaker Introduces Legislation to Increase Excise Taxes on Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products
Posted in Legislation
Virginia Delegate Patrick A. Hope of Alexandria recently introduced legislation, House Bill 160, to significantly increase the Virginia excise taxes currently imposed on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Allocable Share Legislation Introduced in Missouri
Posted in Legislation, State Regulatory
Missouri, the last remaining state in which nonparticipating manufacturers can obtain allocable share releases from their escrow payments, has again introduced legislation to repeal the release mechanism. The bill, Senate Bill 629, was introduced on January 9th.
U.S. Postal Service Expands Options for Tobacco Deliveries
Posted in Legislation
The 2010 Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (“PACT”) Act severely restricted the use of the U.S. Postal Service to deliver cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco.