HB 5857

Abstract

Amends the Cigarette Tax Act and the Cigarette Use Tax Act. Provides that tax stamps sold on or after January 1, 2011 must be counterfeit-resistant and encrypted with certain information. Provides that the stamps shall (i) be produced in a secure facility certified in accordance with the security assistance standards established in 2005 by the American National Standards Institute and the North American Security Products Organization, (ii) incorporate a minimum of 4 layers of overt, semi-covert, and covert data, and (iii) instantaneously capture encrypted data. Requires distributors to acquire certain necessary equipment and provide the encrypted data to the Department of Revenue in the form and manner required by the Department. Requires the Department of Revenue to retain the data using a secure system. Provides that any distributor having stamped packages of cigarettes in his or her possession on January 1, 2011 may continue to possess, deliver, or distribute those stamped cigarettes. Effective immediately.