Oklahoma Lawmakers Consider Cigarette Tax Hike

Smokers could end up paying more taxes for cigarettes as lawmakers meet to discuss a hike Monday. Senate and House committees will consider the $1.50 cigarette tax increase.

Governor Mary Fallin wants the tax increase to go into effect immediately after she signs it, but others want voters to decide in the fall. On Monday, House and Senate committees will consider the $1.50 hike.

If it goes to the full chambers, and gets a three-quarters majority in both House and Senate, it would take effect as soon as the governor signs it. However, some lawmakers are saying they want the voters to decide on it in November, and therefore, it if passes, the hike wouldn't start feeding into the state's budget until well into the next fiscal year.