SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1572

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 3, 2025

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1572.

      This bill increases, from one to three percent, the amount of cigarette and other tobacco products tax revenues dedicated to anti-smoking initiatives.  Under existing law, these revenues are to be directed to the Department of Health to fund tobacco control programs to prevent youth initiation of tobacco usage, reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, and promotion of cessation.  Moreover, priority for the funding is to be given to programs that aim to reduce the incidence of smoking among the State's Medicaid population and youth.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.