FARGO (KFGO-AM) North Dakota's tobacco tax hasn't increased since 1993 but there may be an attempt to raise the tax in the upcoming legislative session.
Ruth Bachmeier, Director of Fargo-Cass Public Health says anti-tobacco advocates are discussing the plan now.
She says the state tax on a pack of cigarettes is now 44 cents, among the lowest in the country. Bachmeier says if the tax could go up by a dollar, there would a significant decrease in youth smoking. She says, "we want to stop them before they even start."
Tobacco taxes are significantly higher in neighboring states. Minnesota's is $2.38 a pack. In Montana, it's $1.70 and South Dakota's is $1.53.
Bachmeier outlined the proposal during a meeting with Fargo area legislators Friday.