CIGARETTE TAX-RATE

If and only if Senate Bill 44 of the 96th General Assembly becomes law, amends the Cigarette Tax Act and the Cigarette Use Tax Act. Provides that the additional taxes are imposed as follows: an additional 25 mills per cigarette on September 1, 2009; an additional 12.5 mills per cigarette on September 1, 2010; and an additional 12.5 mills per cigarette on September 1, 2011. Makes changes concerning payments by retailers and distributors who have stamped cigarettes in their possession when the additional taxes take effect on September 1, 2009, September 1, 2010, and September 1, 2011. In the Cigarette Use Tax Act, provides that the additional tax that takes effect on September 1, 2010 is imposed on the privilege of using cigarettes in the State (instead of on retailers). Makes changes to the definition of "cigarette". Makes other changes. Effective immediately.