Washington Lawmakers Consider Raising Cigarette Tax to $5 Per Pack

The proposed tax hike aims to discourage smoking and raise revenue, but faces opposition from retail and business groups.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Washington lawmakers are considering raising the state's cigarette tax for the first time since 2010, to $5 per pack. The current state tax on a pack of 20 cigarettes is just over $3. 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, believe the proposal is regressive and would push consumers to other states or unregulated black markets.

Why it matters

The proposed cigarette tax hike is part of a broader effort by Washington lawmakers to address public health concerns around nicotine use, especially among youth. While the tax increase is aimed at discouraging smoking, it has faced pushback from businesses who argue it could hurt their bottom line and lead to lost sales and foot traffic.

The details

Senate Bill 6129 would replace the existing 95% tax on the sale of miscellaneous tobacco goods and the separate tax on vapor products with an identical 95% levy on all nicotine products, except cigarettes. This would take effect on January 1, 2027. The bill's sponsor, Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, says the goal is to tax all nicotine products equitably and discourage youth from initiating nicotine use. The Senate passed the tax hike on a 26-22 vote, with some Democrats joining Republicans in opposition. The bill now heads to the House Finance Committee for a vote.

  • The proposed $5 per pack cigarette tax increase would not take effect until 2028.
  • Starting in 2032, the tax would be adjusted up for inflation every four years.

The players

Sen. June Robinson

A Democratic state senator from Everett who is the sponsor of Senate Bill 6129, which would raise the cigarette tax and impose a 95% tax on all nicotine products except cigarettes.

Carolyn Logue

A representative of the Washington Food Industry Association who has expressed concerns that the proposed tax increases would hurt businesses and drive down foot traffic in stores.

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What they’re saying

“I would like to tax all nicotine products equitably. And I believe that the bill does that to the best of our ability. I hope that we will discourage youth from initiating using nicotine products. As we know, that is an increasing public health issue. Nicotine is not good for young brains and I hope that we can all agree that it's a good goal for us to try to discourage youth from getting addicted.”

— Sen. June Robinson, Bill Sponsor (Washington State Standard)

“These products can drive foot traffic into our stores where customers also purchase food, fuel and other essentials. Loss of this traffic will not only hurt the store sales overall, it will actually hurt the taxes that come from that store in other areas beyond the tobacco taxes.”

— Carolyn Logue, Washington Food Industry Association (Washington State Standard)

What’s next

The House Finance Committee is scheduled to vote on Sen. Robinson's bill on Saturday, moving it closer to action from the full chamber as the legislative session nears its March 12 end date. However, the bill could face a difficult path to final passage in the House, as the committee chair is unsure how fellow Democrats feel about the proposal.

The takeaway

The proposed cigarette tax hike in Washington highlights the ongoing tension between public health goals and business interests. While proponents argue the tax could discourage smoking and raise much-needed revenue, opponents warn it could hurt retailers and lead to unintended consequences like increased black market activity.