Commentary: Why Raising Nicotine Taxes May Miss the Mark in Washington
I’ve dedicated my career to promoting public health. I’ve supported smoking cessation programs and prevention initiatives. While taxes on smoking products can curb harmful behaviors, not all taxes achieve their intended outcomes.
I fear that the new Senate Bill 6129, which aims to increase nicotine taxes in Washington, could backfire. Although the sponsors have good intentions, the bill might hurt the very public health goals they wish to achieve.
Under SB 6129, a hefty 90% excise tax would be imposed on most non-cigarette nicotine products. Flavored products would face a staggering 100% tax. Additionally, the cigarette tax would rise from $3.025 to $5.00 per pack, with an extra 50-cent surcharge on flavored cigarettes.
When taxes become too high, they can lead to unintended consequences, and I worry that this bill is headed in that direction. For example, since a 95% excise tax kicked in on January 1, many consumers have opted to buy lower-priced products across state lines in Oregon and Idaho. Instead of boosting state revenue, this move could lead to a decrease in funds.
If SB 6129 is enacted, the price gap with surrounding states will widen, pushing buyers away from Washington stores. Each dollar lost to cross-border shopping translates to less funding for critical services like education, healthcare, and public safety—areas that lawmakers claim these taxes aim to support.
Moreover, this legislation overlooks the importance of harm reduction. While no nicotine use is completely safe, alternatives like nicotine pouches and vapes can reduce exposure to hazardous toxins. By taxing these products at similar, or even higher, rates than cigarettes, SB 6129 fails to encourage smokers to make healthier choices. This is a significant public health error.
Historically, Washington has already realized the benefits of modest tobacco tax increases. The remaining adult smokers are largely price-insensitive, meaning that further tax hikes are unlikely to result in decreased smoking rates. Instead, they may lead to lower legal sales and diminished state revenue.
Moving forward, progress should focus on expanding successful harm reduction strategies rather than simply increasing taxes. For example, the Washington State Quitline has proven effective, with nearly 35% of participants remaining tobacco-free seven months after joining. It saves about $5 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent.
By enhancing these programs and increasing their funding, Washington can provide smokers with the right tools to quit. This approach would yield positive public health outcomes without creating additional hurdles.
In the end, good intentions must be paired with effective strategies. Washington can do better than strictly raising taxes—it can foster a healthier future through proven methods.
Steve Kirby served in the Washington House of Representatives from 2001 to 2022.
