TRENTON, N.J. – A new proposal in the New Jersey Legislature seeks to dramatically boost state funding for anti-smoking efforts by tripling the share of cigarette and tobacco tax revenue dedicated to those initiatives. Senate Bill S1572, introduced by Senator Shirley K. Turner of the 15th District and co-sponsored by Senator McKnight, would increase the current allocation from one percent to three percent of total revenues from the state’s cigarette and tobacco products taxes.

Under existing law, one percent of these revenues—projected to total roughly $5 million in fiscal year 2023—is directed to the Department of Health for programs that aim to curb smoking, prevent youth tobacco use, and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. If passed, S1572 would raise that amount to approximately $15 million annually, with the additional funds used for evidence-based tobacco control initiatives consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) best practices.

The bill also reinforces that priority funding will go to programs targeting two groups with higher-than-average smoking rates: Medicaid recipients and youth. According to the bill’s sponsors, the expanded funding will support cessation efforts, public education, and outreach programs focused on reducing the health and financial burden of tobacco-related illnesses across the state.

The measure amends existing provisions in the Cigarette Tax Act and the Tobacco Products Wholesale Sales and Use Tax Act, originally established to allocate revenue toward healthcare subsidies and other public programs. By redirecting a greater portion to prevention and cessation initiatives, lawmakers aim to address persistent gaps in state tobacco control resources.

The legislation has been pre-filed for introduction in the 2024 session and awaits formal committee consideration.

Key points:

Senate Bill S1572 increases anti-smoking funding from 1% to 3% of tobacco tax revenues.
The Department of Health would receive about $15 million yearly to expand tobacco control programs.
Priority funding targets youth prevention and cessation support for Medicaid recipients.

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