BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) Tobacco foes want the North Dakota Legislature to raise the state's tobacco tax for the first time since 1993.
Rugby Republican Rep. Jon Nelson is pushing the bipartisan bill that would raise the state's cigarette tax from 44 cents a pack to $1.54. The tax on a can of snuff would jump from 60 cents to $2.72.
State data show that the tax increase on tobacco prices would raise more than $138 million over the next two years.
Nelson says raising the price on a pack of cigarettes acts as an incentive to quit smoking, as well as raise money for health programs.
North Dakota ranks 46th among states in the amount of tax smokers pay.
Retailers and the state Chamber of Commerce are opposing the bill.