Section 301 of SB 5814 will make smoke-free products more expensive for Washingtonians who depend on them. If Section 301 is not vetoed, SB 5814 would impose the highest tax in the nation on smoke-free nicotine products. Small businesses in the Evergreen State could see severe economic impacts if these smoke-free products are taxed at this excessive rate.
Section 301 of SB 5814 would:
● Make these products less affordable for adults who smoke and are looking to transition to better options.
● Undermine harm reduction policies that impact public health.
● Drastically reduce the revenue of small businesses who depend on the sales of these products.
The facts are clear: Section 301 of 5814 will severely limit access to products that provide Washingtonians with smoke-free options, undermining the state’s economic and public health.