Cigarette tax hike still in play as WA legislative session wanes

By: Jake Goldstein-Street

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: March 5, 2026

Words: 728

Last Updated: 6 days, 7 hours ago

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Washington lawmakers are considering raising the state’s cigarette tax for the first time since 2010, to $5 per pack.

Currently, the total state tax on a pack of 20 cigarettes is just over $3. Only New York and Maryland levy over $5 per pack.

Backers see the proposal as potentially accomplishing two goals: Pushing people to stop smoking and raising some much-needed revenue for the state. But opponents, including retail and business groups, …

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