This bill proposes the creation of the "Tobacco Cessation Initiative Program Special Revenue Account" within the State Treasury, which will be administered by the Director of the Bureau for Public Health. The account is intended to fund tobacco cessation initiatives, with all deposited funds to be used exclusively for this purpose. Notably, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, expenditures from this account will be authorized from collections rather than requiring legislative appropriation. Additionally, any remaining balance in the fund at the end of each fiscal year will not revert to the General Revenue Fund but will remain available for future expenditures.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that on or before July 30, 2026, and each subsequent July 30, $5 million from the interest and returns accrued on the moneys in the Revenue Shortfall Reserve Fund Part B will be transferred to the Tobacco Cessation Initiative Program Special Revenue Account. This transfer is intended to ensure a consistent funding source for the tobacco cessation efforts outlined in the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-9G-3