HB 421 -- Liquor Taxes

Co-Sponsors:  Schilling, Hosmer

This bill increases certain fees related to the production and
selling of alcoholic beverages in this state.

Under current law, the fee for inspection and gauging of malt
liquors containing alcohol in excess of three and two-tenths by
weight is levied at $1.86 per 31 gallon barrel (6 cents per
gallon).  This bill increases this fee to 16 cents per gallon.

In addition, the current charge for the privilege of selling
spirituous liquors is set at $2 per gallon and for selling wines
at 30 cents per gallon.  This bill will increase these charges
to $3 and 54 cents, respectively.

All increased revenue as the result of these increases in fees
and charges will be deposited in the Alcohol Abuse and
Dependence Prevention and Rehabilitation Fund, which is created
in this bill.  Moneys in the fund are required to be
appropriated for use  by the Department of Mental Health for
prevention of alcohol abuse and rehabilitation of persons
affected by alcohol dependence.

This bill contains a referendum clause and will become effective
upon passage by the voters of this state.