New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1596

Introduced

12/10/25

Refer

12/10/25

Report DNP

2/4/26

Report Pass

2/4/26

Caption

Relative to the collection of certain health care program premiums; funding for the university system of New Hampshire; and raising the tobacco tax.

Impact

The financial implications of HB1596 are significant, particularly in relation to state revenues and expenditures. The increase in the tobacco tax is expected to yield indeterminable revenue starting in FY 2027, with projections indicating an increase of approximately $83.9 million in tobacco revenue. This additional revenue is projected to be split between the General Fund and the Education Trust Fund, thereby providing vital resources for education and health initiatives. In contrast, the repeal of healthcare premiums for programs like the children’s health insurance will increase expenditures by about $16 million annually, shifting some fiscal burdens back to the state government.

Summary

House Bill 1596 (HB1596) addresses three key areas: raising the tobacco tax, funding for the University System of New Hampshire, and repealing certain health care program premiums. Specifically, the bill proposes to raise the retail tax on cigarettes from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack, which aims to increase state revenue and discourage tobacco consumption. Additionally, it allocates an annual appropriation of $18 million to restore higher education funding to previous levels, reflecting a commitment to strengthen educational support amidst budgetary constraints.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB1596 is mixed, with supporters highlighting the necessity for increased educational funding and the potential public health benefits of higher tobacco taxes. Proponents argue that the funding will ensure the sustainability of the University System while discouraging smoking among residents. On the other hand, critics express concern regarding the repeal of healthcare premiums, fearing it may undermine access to essential health programs. The debate reflects broader issues regarding public health policy, state funding priorities, and the complexities of balancing fiscal responsibility with social needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the conflicting interests surrounding the tobacco tax increase and funding allocation. Supporters of the tobacco tax posit that higher prices will reduce consumption and associated health costs, while opponents often cite the burden this places on low-income smokers. Furthermore, the repeal of healthcare premiums raises concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations reliant on programs like the children’s health insurance. Discussions surrounding HB1596 underscore the challenges of finding common ground in state funding decisions, particularly when they affect public health and education.

Latest NH HB1596 Activity

View All Events: NH 2026 Regular Session HB1596

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB290

Increasing the taxes on cigarettes and electronic cigarettes and establishing a committee to study taxes on tobacco and other nicotine products.

NH SB158

Raising the funding cap for the New Hampshire community development finance authority.

NH HB135

Relative to the collection of sales taxes of foreign jurisdictions by New Hampshire businesses.

NH SB288

Establishing an advisory council on the system of care for healthy aging in New Hampshire.

NH HB727

Relative to the New Hampshire retirement system.

NH HB524

Repealing the New Hampshire vaccine association.

NH HB112

Requiring students in the university and community college systems of New Hampshire to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test.

NH SB242

Relative to the cost of living adjustments for certain group II retirees in the New Hampshire retirement system.

NH SB195

Relative to the composition and duties of the New Hampshire advisory council on career and technical education.

NH HB123

Defining pre-sequestration timber tax revenue, establishing a moratorium on carbon sequestration and establishing a commission to study the effects of carbon sequestration in New Hampshire forests upon state and local tax revenue, effective forest management, and the health of New Hampshires logging industry.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.