US EditionOregon House Lawmakers Approve Nicotine Tax to Fund Wildfire Prevention
- On June 23, 2025, Oregon House lawmakers approved House Bill 3940 in Salem to tax oral nicotine products and fund wildfire prevention.
- The bill resulted from urgent wildfire threats, with more than 400 fires scorching 20,000 acres and burning 56 homes in 2025, prompting calls for modern funding.
- The legislation includes a 65-cent tax per container of nicotine pouches, diverts 20% of the state's rainy day fund interest, increases timber taxes, and creates grants for home hardening.
- The bill passed 37-8 with bipartisan support, is projected to raise about $45 million in the 2025-27 biennium, and Rep. Pam Marsh called it a ‘crucial first step’ against wildfire risk.
- House Bill 3940, designed to create a long-term funding framework for wildfire damage prevention and community protection, has passed the House and will next be reviewed by the Oregon Senate.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Oregon House passes bill to fund wildfire safety with nicotine tax
Oregon's House has approved a significant reform package aimed at tackling the increasing threats and costs associated with wildfires. According to the Oregon House, House Bill 3940 modernizes wildfire mitigation funding and introduces a new tax on oral nicotine products.
Oregon House passes bill to tax oral nicotine products, direct funds to wildfire mitigation • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, is a lead House sponsor for House Bill 3940, a bill to tax oral nicotine products. Here she is seen at the Oregon Legislature on Feb. 12, 2024. (Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)The Oregon House in a 37-8 vote on Monday passed a bill to create a new tax on oral nicotine products and use those funds to combat wildfires. House Bill 3940 would impose a $0.65 tax on nicotine pouches with 20 units or less, with an additio…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
