Chief Patron

Sen. Emmett Hanger (R-24)

Emmett Hanger (R-24)
Served: 1996–

Status

Bill is Dead
View Entire History

Summary

Cigarette tax.  Provides that any county not currently authorized to levy a tax upon the sale or use of cigarettes shall have the power to do so. The tax shall be in an amount and on terms the governing body may by ordinance prescribe, not to exceed the amount levied under state law. The revenues collected from the tax shall be designated and spent solely for the purpose of (i) purchasing agricultural conservation easements, (ii) funding initiatives that, as determined in consultation with local farm organizations, preserve farmlands in such county, (iii) funding a local purchase of development rights program that such county has established or will establish, or (iv) any combination thereof. Fairfax and Arlington Counties, which are currently authorized to levy a tax upon the sale or use of cigarettes, are not subject to the provisions of this bill that limit the amount of the tax and that designate the purposes for which the revenues collected from the cigarette tax must be spent.