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

This bill proposes to increase the state cigarette tax from $0.17 to $0.27 per pack, with the additional revenue dedicated to public education and health care programs. The tax hike is not immediate; instead, it requires voter approval via a referendum scheduled for November 2024 before it can take effect. If approved, the new funds would be split between the state school money fund and the health initiatives fund, though specific distribution percentages are detailed in related sections of the law. The legislation also outlines administrative rules for tax stamping and collection, ensuring that retailers act as agents for the state in collecting the tax from consumers.