The Senate concurred in the House amendments to the tobacco tax increase, completing action on the legislation during a brief evening floor session on Monday.
Senate Bill 1012 raises the tobacoo tax by 65 cents per pack on cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as e-cigarettes and vaping products. The bill is expected to generate roughly $100 million per year for the general revenue fund. The legiislation now awaits the Governor’s signature.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1010 , which would allocate $2.1 million to the Boone County Board of Education to pay teachers and school service personnel through the end of the fiscal year. The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
Finally, the Senate amended and passed House Bill 116, which allows the Governor to direct payment of certain state debts during a fiscal crisis. The bill will be up for completion in the House tomorrow.
The Senate has adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m.
