Arlington, VA — The American Consumer Institute (ACI) submitted public comments on H. 5770 and S. 0417, “An Act Relating to Taxation—Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Tax,” currently under consideration in Rhode Island. This legislation would reduce taxes by 75 percent on tobacco products designated as Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTPs). MRTPs, such as vapes, have been shown to be significantly less harmful than traditional combustible tobacco products like cigarettes.
“H. 5770 and S. 0417 offer a pragmatic approach to tobacco harm reduction by leveraging fiscal policy to incentivize the use of less harmful products that can help individuals quit smoking,” said ACI Senior Economist Justin Leventhal. “This bill is a step toward improving public health and reducing the economic impact of tobacco-related illnesses in Rhode Island.”
Read the full comments below.