The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5164, aims to amend the disbursement structure of the Tobacco Settlement Fund. Specifically, it repeals subsection (c) of section 4-28e of the general statutes and introduces new provisions effective July 1, 2026. The bill stipulates that for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2023, through June 30, 2025, annual disbursements will allocate twelve million dollars to the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund, with the remainder directed to the General Fund. Notably, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, all disbursements will be made to the General Fund.

Beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, the bill proposes a significant increase in funding for tobacco control programs, mandating that thirty-two million dollars be allocated to the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund, with any remaining funds going to the General Fund. This change aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to enhance efforts in preventing and reducing tobacco use. The bill reflects a commitment to increasing resources for public health initiatives related to tobacco control.