Cigarette tax hike still in play as WA legislative session wanes
Washington lawmakers are considering raising the state’s cigarette tax for the first time since 2010, to $5 per pack.
Currently, the total state tax on a pack of 20 cigarettes is just over $3. Only New York and Maryland levy over $5 per pack.
Backers see the proposal as potentially accomplishing two goals: Pushing people to stop smoking and raising some much-needed revenue for the state. But opponents, including retail and business groups, believe the proposal is regressive and would push consumers to other states or unregulated black markets.
The idea won’t play much of a role in lawmakers’ current budget negotiations, as the tax increase wouldn’t hit until 2028, in the next two-year budget cycle. Starting in 2032, the tax would be adjusted up for inflation every four years.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/04/cigarette-tax-hike-still-in-play-as-wa-legislative-session-wanes/