New Hampshire HB1596 raises tobacco tax, funds university system, and adjusts health care program premiums.

New Hampshire HB1596 increases the tobacco tax rate to $2.80 per package of 20 cigarettes or little cigars. It also allocates $18,000,000 annually to the university system to restore higher education funding to 2024 levels. The bill modifies the collection of premiums for the children’s health insurance program and the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program. This act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

New Hampshire HB1596 raises tobacco tax, funds university system, and adjusts health care program premiums.

New Hampshire HB1596 increases the tobacco tax rate to $2.80 per package of 20 cigarettes or little cigars. It also allocates $18,000,000 annually to the university system to restore higher education funding to 2024 levels. The bill modifies the collection of premiums for the children’s health insurance program and the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program. This act takes effect on July 1, 2026.