Today, the New Mexico Senate held a regular floor session in Santa Fe. The session included discussions on various legislative matters, notably the creation of the Nicotine Prevention Fund aimed at educating youth about nicotine dangers.

Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Senator Martin Hickey, MD (D-Albuquerque), was passed with a vote of 25-14. This bill raises the excise tax on e-cigarettes, vaping products, and nicotine pouches from 25% to 40%. The revenue generated, estimated at $6 million, will be allocated to the Nicotine Prevention Fund. This fund will be managed by the Department of Health and the Public Education Department to educate young people in New Mexico about nicotine risks.

Senator Hickey emphasized the importance of targeting nicotine specifically: "Why am I focusing on nicotine in particular? Nicotine is the gateway drug to addiction, particularly in youth and younger people who are still developing their neural pathways." He further said that "Passing this bill does one very important thing: the data shows that the higher the cost, the less the uptake."

The legislation does not alter taxes on cigarettes and cigars nor does it impose taxes on smoking cessation products.

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