The House Taxation Committee of the Montana Legislature convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss several key issues, primarily focusing on proposed increases in cigarette taxes aimed at reducing smoking rates among youth and improving public health.

The meeting began with testimony from pediatricians advocating for the bill, emphasizing the strong correlation between cigarette prices and usage rates, particularly among children. One pediatrician highlighted that a previous federal tax increase in 2009 led to an 8.3% decline in smoking rates within a year, including a significant reduction in smoking among pregnant women. This decline was credited with preventing thousands of stillbirths and improving infant health outcomes. The pediatrician urged the committee to support the tax increase as a tool to prevent children from starting to smoke.

Following this, Amanda Cahill, representing the coalition Montana Kids versus Big Tobacco, provided additional context on how tobacco tax revenues are allocated. She noted that 44% of the funds go directly to health initiatives, including Medicaid, while smaller portions support veterans' nursing homes and long-range planning efforts. Cahill expressed her coalition's strong support for the tax increase, reinforcing the importance of protecting youth from tobacco use.

Jean Branscum, CEO of the Montana Medical Association, also voiced support for the bill, aligning with the previous testimonies regarding the health benefits of increased tobacco taxes.

The committee heard from various proponents throughout the session, all advocating for the bill's passage to enhance public health and reduce tobacco use among vulnerable populations. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to addressing the public health crisis posed by tobacco use in Montana.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were encouraged to consider the testimonies and the potential positive impact of the proposed tax increase on the health of Montanans, particularly children. Further discussions and decisions regarding the bill are anticipated in upcoming sessions.