A longtime Mississippi legislator is taking another swing at raising taxes on cigars and other tobacco products, proposing an increase that would hit consumers' wallets starting this summer.
Representative Bob Evans, a Democrat from Monticello, has introduced House Bill 758, which would bump up the state's tax on cigars from its current 15 percent of wholesale price to 22.5 percent. That's a 50 percent jump that would apply to cigars, other tobacco products excluding cigarettes, and heated tobacco items.
For cigar smokers, the math is pretty straightforward and not particularly pleasant. A stick that currently retails for $9.50 would see its pre-sales-tax price climb from roughly $10.21 to about $10.57 under the proposed legislation. While that might not sound like much for a single cigar, those extra dollars add up quickly for regular smokers building out their humidors or enjoying weekly smokes with friends.
The proposed tax increase wouldn't stop at cigars either. Evans has filed a companion bill targeting cigarettes with a separate tax hike, showing a broader push to extract more revenue from tobacco users across the board.
What makes this legislative effort particularly noteworthy is Evans' persistence on the issue. The Monticello representative has been attempting to raise Mississippi's tobacco taxes for more than ten years now. Despite repeated efforts session after session, none of his previous bills have managed to cross the finish line and become law. That track record suggests an uphill battle ahead for H.B. 758, even as it works its way through the legislative process.
The bill comes with a clear timeline if lawmakers decide to approve it. The tax increase would take effect on July 1, 2026, giving retailers and consumers about five months' notice before prices would jump at the register.
Unlike some tobacco tax proposals in other states that include caps or maximum amounts, H.B. 758 contains no such ceiling. The 22.5 percent rate would apply regardless of how expensive or premium the cigar might be. That means higher-end cigars popular among enthusiasts would see proportionally larger dollar increases than budget options.
Mississippi's current 15 percent tax rate on cigars already puts the state in a specific tier among its neighbors and competitors. The proposed increase would push that rate higher, potentially making Mississippi a less attractive place to purchase cigars compared to surrounding states, though cross-border shopping depends on individual circumstances and proximity to state lines.
The legislation doesn't stand alone in the broader context of tobacco regulation. Lawmakers across the country have frequently turned to tobacco taxes as revenue generators, particularly during budget shortfalls or when looking to fund specific programs. The products remain popular enough that they represent reliable tax bases, while many policymakers view higher prices as discouraging use, particularly among younger potential customers.
For Mississippi's cigar retailers, the bill represents a potential challenge to their business model. Higher prices could drive some customers to reduce purchases, shop across state lines, or turn to online retailers based elsewhere. Small tobacconists operating on tight margins might feel the squeeze particularly hard if customer traffic drops in response to price increases.
Evans' determination to keep filing these bills year after year suggests he views the issue as important enough to weather repeated defeats. Whether that persistence will eventually pay off with H.B. 758 remains to be seen as the legislative session continues.
The bill's introduction comes at a time when many states are reevaluating their tobacco tax structures, with some increasing rates while others maintain current levels or explore alternative regulatory approaches. Mississippi's decision on this proposal will signal which direction the state chooses to move on tobacco policy.
For now, cigar enthusiasts in Mississippi will be watching closely as H.B. 758 moves through committee hearings and potential floor votes. The outcome will determine whether their hobby becomes notably more expensive come summer or whether Evans' latest attempt joins his previous efforts in the legislative graveyard.
The proposed tax increase has yet to face public hearings where supporters and opponents would have opportunities to make their cases directly to legislators. Those sessions, when scheduled, typically draw tobacco retailers, public health advocates, and concerned citizens looking to influence the final outcome.
Given Evans' history of unsuccessful attempts to raise tobacco taxes, the bill faces significant skepticism about its chances. But in politics, circumstances change, and what failed in previous sessions can sometimes succeed when timing, legislative composition, or external factors align differently. Whether 2026 represents that breakthrough moment for tobacco tax increases in Mississippi remains one of the session's open questions.
