Support continues to grow for H.B. 337, the Nicotine Product Tax Amendments, legislation before the Utah Legislature that updates Utah’s approach to taxing tobacco products in order to help reduce youth use, prevent addiction, protect public health, and save hundreds of millions in state Medicaid funds.
The bill draws support from a diverse group of leaders and advocacy organizations, including Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Utah Eagle Forum, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Drug Safe Utah, the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association, reflecting broad agreement that protecting children from the dangers of tobacco transcends politics.
“When they taxed tobacco, underage use dropped. It just makes sense to do the same with vapes and other nicotine products to protect kids,” said Congresswoman Celeste Maloy.
“We have decades of data showing us that increases in the taxes on tobacco products prevent initiation of tobacco use, promote cessation, and reduce the prevalence and intensity of tobacco use among youth and adults,” said Brook Carlisle, Regional Government Relations Director for the American Cancer
Society Cancer Action Network. “Additionally, a significant tobacco tax will generate millions in revenue for the state of Utah while simultaneously reducing healthcare costs.”
“Protecting children from addiction and long-term harm should never be a partisan issue, it’s a moral responsibility,” said Gayle Ruzicka, President of the Utah Eagle Forum. “H.B. 337 is a commonsense step that limits youth access to harmful nicotine products and reinforces Utah’s commitment to putting families and children first.”
H.B. 337 modernizes Utah’s tobacco tax structure to reflect today’s evolving tobacco marketplace and addresses the rising availability of tobacco products that disproportionately impact youth. Supporters say the bill aligns with decades
of public health research demonstrating that price increases are among the most effective tools to reduce tobacco use, particularly among young people.
Supporters thank Representative Tyler Clancy and Senator Jerry Stevenson for their leadership and commitment to evidence-based policy, recognizing their work to advance solutions that protect Utah’s children, families, and communities.
Advocates urge all state lawmakers to support H.B. 337 as a meaningful step toward reducing preventable disease, lowering long-term health care costs, and safeguarding the health and well-being of Utah families.
