BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO-AM) North Dakota hasn't raised it tax on tobacco since 1993 and the streak appears to have no immediate end in sight.
Republican Representative Jon Nelson of Rugby is pushing the bill that would raise the state's cigarette tax from 44 cents to $1.54 a pack. Tax on a can of snuff would jump from 60 cents to $2.72.
The House Finance and Taxation Committee voted 12-2 to give the bill a do-not-pass recommendation. The full House will decide this week whether or not to snuff out the measure on smokes, chew and snuff.
Nelson believes the measure will save lives by deterring young people from taking up the habit.
Retailers have successfully fought off several attempts to raise the state's tobacco tax in the past two decades.