CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

 

                        HOUSE BILL 1359

 

 

                   Chapter 278, Laws of 1995

 

 

 

 

                        54th Legislature

                      1995 Regular Session

 

 

          CIGARETTE TAX‑-ADMINISTRATION AND COLLECTION

 

 

                    EFFECTIVE DATE:  7/1/95

Passed by the House March 10, 1995

  Yeas 97   Nays 0

 

 

 

CLYDE BALLARD

 

Speaker of the

      House of Representatives

 

Passed by the Senate April 23, 1995

  Yeas 44   Nays 0

             CERTIFICATE

 

I, Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is HOUSE BILL 1359 as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth.

 

 

 

JOEL PRITCHARD

 

President of the Senate

TIMOTHY A. MARTIN

 

                          Chief Clerk

 

 

Approved May 9, 1995 Place Style On Codes above, and Style Off Codes below.

                                FILED          

 

 

              May 9, 1995 - 3:40 p.m.

 

 

 

    MIKE LOWRY

Governor of the State of Washington

                   Secretary of State

                  State of Washington


          _______________________________________________

 

                          HOUSE BILL 1359

          _______________________________________________

 

             Passed Legislature - 1995 Regular Session

 

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1995 Regular Session

 

By Representatives Van Luven and G. Fisher; by request of Department of Revenue

 

Read first time 01/23/95.  Referred to Committee on Finance.

 

Affecting the administration and collection of the cigarette tax.



    AN ACT Relating to the administration and collection of the cigarette tax; amending RCW 82.24.010, 82.24.030, 82.24.040, 82.24.050, 82.24.080, 82.24.090, 82.24.110, 82.24.120, 82.24.230, 82.24.250, 82.24.260, and 82.26.010; adding new sections to chapter 82.24 RCW; prescribing penalties; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

    Sec. 1.  RCW 82.24.010 and 1961 c 15 s 82.24.010 are each amended to read as follows:

    ((For the purposes of this chapter,)) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise ((required by)), the ((context)) definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter:

    (1) (("Wholesaler" means every person who purchases, sells, or distributes any one or more of the articles taxed herein to retailers for the purpose of resale only;)) "Cigarette" means any roll for smoking made wholly or in part of tobacco, irrespective of size or shape and irrespective of the tobacco being flavored, adulterated, or mixed with any other ingredient, where such roll has a wrapper or cover made of paper or any material, except where such wrapper is wholly or in the greater part made of natural leaf tobacco in its natural state.

    (2) "Indian tribal organization" means a federally recognized Indian tribe, or tribal entity, and includes an Indian wholesaler or retailer that is owned by an Indian who is an enrolled tribal member conducting business under tribal license or similar tribal approval within Indian country.  For purposes of this chapter "Indian country" is defined in the manner set forth in 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1151.

    (3) "Precollection obligation" means the obligation of a seller otherwise exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter to collect the tax from that seller's buyer.

    (4) "Retailer" means every person, other than a wholesaler, who purchases, sells, offers for sale or distributes any one or more of the articles taxed herein, irrespective of quantity or amount, or the number of sales, and all persons operating under a retailer's registration certificate((;)).

    (((3))) (5) "Retail selling price" means the ordinary, customary or usual price paid by the consumer for each package of cigarettes, less the tax levied by this chapter and less any similar tax levied by this state((;

    (4) "Cigarette" means any roll for smoking made wholly or in part of tobacco, irrespective of size or shape and irrespective of the tobacco being flavored, adulterated, or mixed with any other ingredient, where such roll has a wrapper or cover made of paper or any material, except where such wrapper is wholly or in the greater part made of natural leaf tobacco in its natural state;)).

    (((5))) (6) "Stamp" means the stamp or stamps ((or meter impressions)) by use of which the tax levy under this chapter is paid((;)) or identification is made of those cigarettes with respect to which no tax is imposed.

    (((6))) (7) "Wholesaler" means every person who purchases, sells, or distributes any one or more of the articles taxed herein to retailers for the purpose of resale only.

    (8) The meaning attributed, in chapter 82.04 RCW, to the words "person," "sale," "business" and "successor" ((shall apply)) applies equally in ((the provisions of)) this chapter.

 

    Sec. 2.  RCW 82.24.030 and 1990 c 216 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) In order to enforce collection of the tax hereby levied, the department of revenue shall design and have printed stamps of such size and denominations as may be determined by the  department((, such)).  The stamps ((to)) must be affixed on the smallest container or package that will be handled, sold, used, consumed, or distributed, to permit the  department to readily ascertain by inspection, whether or not such tax has been paid or whether an exemption from the tax applies.

    (2) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every person shall cause to be affixed on every package of cigarettes, stamps of an amount equaling the tax due thereon or stamps identifying the cigarettes as exempt before he or she sells, offers for sale, uses, consumes, handles, removes, or otherwise disturbs and distributes the same:  PROVIDED, That where it is established to the satisfaction of the  department that it is impractical to affix such stamps to the smallest container or package, the  department may authorize the affixing of stamps of appropriate denomination to a large container or package.

    ((The  department may authorize the use of meter stamping machines for imprinting stamps, which imprinted stamps shall be in lieu of those otherwise provided for under this chapter, and if such use is authorized, shall provide reasonable rules and regulations with respect thereto.))

 

    Sec. 3.  RCW 82.24.040 and 1990 c 216 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) No wholesaler in this state may possess within this state unstamped cigarettes except that:

    (((1))) (a) Every wholesaler in the state who is licensed under Washington state law may possess within this state unstamped cigarettes for such period of time after receipt as is reasonably necessary to affix the stamps as required; and

    (((2))) (b) Any wholesaler in the state who is licensed under Washington state law and who furnishes a surety bond in a sum satisfactory to the department, shall be permitted to set aside, without affixing the stamps required by this chapter, such part of ((his)) the wholesaler's stock as may be necessary for the conduct of ((his)) the wholesaler's business in making sales to persons in another state or foreign country((,)) or to instrumentalities of the federal government((, or to the established governing bodies of any Indian tribe, recognized as such by the United States Department of the Interior)).  Such unstamped stock shall be kept separate and apart from stamped stock.

    (((3))) (2) Every wholesaler licensed under Washington state law shall, at the time of shipping or delivering any of the articles taxed herein to a point outside of this state((,)) or to a federal instrumentality((, or to an Indian tribal organization)), make a true duplicate invoice of the same which shall show full and complete details of the sale or delivery, whether or not stamps were affixed thereto, and shall transmit such true duplicate invoice to the ((main office of the)) department, at Olympia, not later than the fifteenth day of the following calendar month((, and)).  For failure to comply with the requirements of this section, the department may revoke the permission granted to the taxpayer to maintain a stock of goods to which the stamps required by this chapter have not been affixed.  ((The department may also revoke this permission to maintain a stock of unstamped goods for sale to a specific Indian tribal organization when it appears that sales of unstamped cigarettes to persons who are not enrolled members of a recognized Indian tribe are taking place, or have taken place, within the exterior boundaries of the reservation occupied by that tribe.))

    (3) Every wholesaler who is licensed by Washington state law shall sell cigarettes to retailers located in Washington only if the retailer has a current cigarette retailer's license or is an Indian tribal organization authorized to possess untaxed cigarettes under this chapter and the rules adopted by the department.

 

    Sec. 4.  RCW 82.24.050 and 1990 c 216 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

    No retailer in this state may possess unstamped cigarettes within this state ((unless the retailer is licensed under Washington state law and, within a period of time after receipt of any of the articles taxed herein as is reasonably necessary for the purpose, causes the same to have the requisite denomination and amount of stamps affixed to represent the tax imposed herein:  PROVIDED, That those articles to which stamps have been properly affixed by a wholesaler or another retailer, licensed under Washington state law, may be retained by any retailer, and that those articles intended for sale to qualified purchasers may, under rules adopted by the department of revenue, be retained by federal instrumentalities and Indian tribal organizations, without affixing the stamps required by)) except as provided in this chapter.

 

    Sec. 5.  RCW 82.24.080 and 1993 c 492 s 308 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) It is the intent and purpose of this chapter to levy a tax on all of the articles taxed under this chapter, sold, used, consumed, handled, possessed, or distributed within this state and to collect the tax from the person who first sells, uses, consumes, handles, possesses (either physically or constructively, in accordance with RCW 82.24.020) or distributes them in the state.  It is further the intent and purpose of this chapter that whenever any of the articles taxed under this chapter is given away for advertising or any other purpose, it shall be taxed in the same manner as if it were sold, used, consumed, handled, possessed, or distributed in this state.

    (2) It is also the intent and purpose of this chapter that the tax shall be imposed at the time and place of the first taxable event ((occurring)) and upon the first taxable person within this state.  Any person whose activities would otherwise require payment of the tax imposed by subsection (1) of this section but who is exempt from the tax nevertheless has a precollection obligation for the tax that must be imposed on the first taxable event within this state.  A precollection obligation may not be imposed upon a person exempt from the tax who sells, distributes, or transfers possession of cigarettes to another person who, by law, is exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter or upon whom the obligation for collection of the tax may not be imposed.  Failure to pay the tax with respect to a taxable event shall not prevent tax liability from arising by reason of a subsequent taxable event.

    (3) In the event of an increase in the rate of the tax imposed under this chapter, it is the intent of the legislature that the first person who sells, uses, consumes, handles, possesses, or distributes previously taxed articles after the effective date of the rate increase shall be liable for the additional tax, or its precollection obligation as required by this chapter, represented by the rate increase((, but)).  The failure to pay the additional tax with respect to the first taxable event after the effective date of a rate increase shall not prevent tax liability for the additional tax from arising from a subsequent taxable event.

 

    Sec. 6.  RCW 82.24.090 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 s 62 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Every wholesaler or retailer subject to the provisions of this chapter shall keep and preserve for a period of five years an accurate set of records((, showing)).  These records must show all transactions ((had with reference)) relating to the purchase and sale of any of the articles taxed ((herein and such persons shall also keep separately)) under this chapter and show all physical inventories performed on those articles, all invoices, and ((shall keep)) a record of all stamps purchased((, and)).  All such records and all stock of taxable articles on hand shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times by the department of revenue or its duly authorized agent.

    (2) All wholesalers shall within fifteen days after the first day of each month file with the department of revenue a report of all drop shipment sales made by them to retailers within this state during the preceding month((, which)).  The report shall show the name and address of the retailer to whom the cigarettes were sold, the kind and quantity, and the date of delivery thereof.

 

    Sec. 7.  RCW 82.24.110 and 1990 c 216 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Each of the following acts is a gross misdemeanor and punishable as such:

    (a) To sell, except as a licensed wholesaler ((or licensed retailer)) engaged in interstate commerce as to the article being taxed herein, without the stamp first being affixed;

    (b) To sell in Washington as a wholesaler to a retailer who does not possess and is required to possess a current cigarette retailer's license;

    (c) To use or have in possession knowingly or intentionally any forged or counterfeit stamps;

    (((c))) (d) For any person other than the department of revenue or its duly authorized agent to sell any stamps not affixed to any of the articles taxed herein whether such stamps are genuine or counterfeit;

    (((d))) (e) To violate any of the provisions of this chapter;

    (((e))) (f) To violate any lawful rule ((or regulation)) made and published by the department of revenue;

    (((f))) (g) To use any stamps more than once;

    (((g))) (h) To refuse to allow the department of revenue or ((any)) its duly authorized agent ((thereof)), on demand, to make full inspection of any place of business where any of the articles herein taxed are sold or otherwise hinder or prevent such inspection;

    (((h))) (i) Except as provided in this chapter, for any retailer((, except one permitted to maintain an unstamped stock to engage in interstate business as provided herein,)) to have in possession in any place of business any of the articles herein taxed, unless the same have the proper stamps attached;

    (((i))) (j) For any person to make, use, or present or exhibit to the department of revenue or ((any)) its duly authorized agent ((thereof)), any invoice for any of the articles herein taxed which bears an untrue date or falsely states the nature or quantity of the goods therein invoiced;

    (((j))) (k) For any wholesaler or retailer or his or her agents or employees to fail to produce on demand of the department of revenue all invoices of all the articles herein taxed or stamps bought by him or her or received in his or her place of business within five years prior to such demand unless he or she can show by satisfactory proof that the nonproduction of the invoices was due to causes beyond his or her control;

    (((k))) (l) For any person to receive in this state any shipment of any of the articles taxed herein, when the same are not stamped, for the purpose of avoiding payment of tax.  It is presumed that persons other than dealers who purchase or receive shipments of unstamped cigarettes do so to avoid payment of the tax imposed herein;

    (((l))) (m) For any person to possess or transport ((upon the public highways, roads, or streets of)) in this state a quantity of sixty thousand cigarettes or less unless the proper stamps required by this chapter have been affixed or unless:  (i) Notice of the possession or transportation has been given as required by RCW 82.24.250; (ii) the person transporting the cigarettes has in actual possession invoices or delivery tickets ((therefor)) which show the true name and address of the consignor or seller, the true name and address of the consignee or purchaser, and the quantity and brands of the cigarettes so transported; and ((unless)) (iii) the cigarettes are consigned to or purchased by any person in this state who is ((a purchaser or consignee)) authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state.

    (2) It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess or to transport ((upon the public highways, roads, or streets of)) in this state a quantity in excess of sixty thousand cigarettes unless the proper stamps required by this chapter are affixed thereto or unless:  (a) Proper notice as required by RCW 82.24.250 has been given; (b) the person transporting the cigarettes actually possesses invoices or delivery tickets showing the true name and address of the consignor or seller, the true name and address of the consignee or purchaser, and the quantity and brands of the cigarettes so transported; and (c) the cigarettes are consigned to or purchased by a person in this state who is authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state.  Violation of this section shall be punished as a class C felony under Title 9A RCW.

    (3) All agents, employees, and others who aid, abet, or otherwise participate in any way in the violation of the provisions of this chapter or in any of the offenses described in this chapter shall be guilty and punishable as principals, to the same extent as any wholesaler or retailer or any other person violating ((the provisions thereof)) this chapter.

 

    Sec. 8.  RCW 82.24.120 and 1990 c 267 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) If any person, subject to the provisions of this chapter or any rules ((and regulations promulgated)) adopted by the department of revenue under authority hereof, is found to have failed to affix the stamps required, or to have them affixed as herein provided, or to pay any tax due hereunder, or to have violated any of the provisions of this chapter or rules ((and regulations promulgated)) adopted by the department of revenue in the administration hereof, there shall be assessed and collected from such person, in addition to any tax that may be found due, a remedial penalty equal to the greater of ten dollars per package of unstamped cigarettes or two hundred fifty dollars, plus interest thereon at the rate ((of one percent for each thirty days or portions thereof)) as computed under RCW 82.32.050(2) from the date the tax became due, and upon notice mailed to the last known address of the person ((said)).  The amount shall become due and payable in ((ten)) thirty days from the date of the notice.  If the amount remains unpaid, ((at which time)) the department or its duly authorized agent may make immediate demand upon such person for the payment of all such taxes ((and)), penalties, and interest.

    (2) The department, for good reason shown, may remit all or any part of penalties imposed, but the taxpayer must pay all taxes due and interest thereon, at the rate ((of one percent for each thirty days or portion thereof)) as computed under RCW 82.32.050(2) from the date the tax became due.

    (3) The keeping of any unstamped articles coming within the provisions of this chapter shall be prima facie evidence of intent to violate the provisions of this chapter.

    (4) This section does not apply to taxes or tax increases due under sections 12 and 13 of this act.

 

    Sec. 9.  RCW 82.24.230 and 1961 c 15 s 82.24.230 are each amended to read as follows:

    All of the provisions contained in chapter 82.32 RCW shall have full force and application with respect to taxes imposed under the provisions of this chapter, except the following sections ((thereof)):  RCW 82.32.050, 82.32.060, 82.32.070, 82.32.100, and 82.32.270, except as noted otherwise in sections 12 and 13 of this act.

 

    Sec. 10.  RCW 82.24.250 and 1990 c 216 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) No person other than (((1)));  (a) A licensed wholesaler in ((its)) the wholesaler's own vehicle((,)); or (((2))) (b) a person who has given notice to the department in advance of the commencement of transportation shall transport or cause to be transported in this state cigarettes not having the stamps affixed to the packages or containers((, upon the public highways, roads or streets of this state.  In the case of transportation of)).

    (2) When transporting unstamped cigarettes, such persons shall have in their actual possession or cause to have in the actual possession of those persons transporting such cigarettes on their behalf invoices or delivery tickets for such cigarettes, which shall show the true name and address of the consignor or seller, the true name and address of the consignee or purchaser, and the quantity and brands of the cigarettes so transported.

    (3) If the cigarettes are consigned to or purchased by any person in this state such purchaser or consignee must be a person who is authorized by chapter 82.24 RCW to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state.

    (4) In the absence of the notice of transportation required by this section or in the absence of such invoices or delivery tickets, or, if the name or address of the consignee or purchaser is falsified or if the purchaser or consignee is not a person authorized by chapter 82.24 RCW to possess unstamped cigarettes, the cigarettes so transported shall be deemed contraband subject to seizure and sale under the provisions of RCW 82.24.130.

    (5) Transportation of cigarettes from a point outside this state to a point in some other state will not be considered a violation of this section provided that the person so transporting such cigarettes has in his possession adequate invoices or delivery tickets which give the true name and address of such out-of-state seller or consignor and such out-of-state purchaser or consignee.

    (6) In any case where the department or its duly authorized agent, or any peace officer of the state, has knowledge or reasonable grounds to believe that any vehicle is transporting cigarettes in violation of this section, the department, such agent, or such police officer, is authorized to stop such vehicle and to inspect the same for contraband cigarettes.

    (7) For purposes of this section, the term "person authorized by chapter 82.24 RCW to possess unstamped cigarettes" ((shall)) means:

    (a) A wholesaler or retailer, licensed under Washington state law((,));

    (b) The United States or an agency thereof((,)); and

    (c) Any person, including an Indian tribal organization ((authorized under rules adopted by the department of revenue to possess unstamped cigarettes)), who, after notice has been given to the department as provided in this section, brings or causes to be brought into the state unstamped cigarettes, if within a period of time after receipt of the cigarettes as the department determines by rule to be reasonably necessary for the purpose the person has caused stamps to be affixed in accordance with RCW 82.24.030 or otherwise made payment of the tax required by this chapter in the manner set forth in rules adopted by the department.

 

    Sec. 11.  RCW 82.24.260 and 1987 c 80 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

    ((Any retailer who sells or otherwise disposes of any unstamped cigarettes)) (1) Other than (((1))):

    (a) A person required to be licensed under this chapter;

    (b) A federal instrumentality with respect to sales to authorized military personnel ((and (2) a federally recognized)); or

    (c) An Indian tribal organization with respect to sales to enrolled members of the tribe,

a person who is in lawful possession of unstamped cigarettes and who intends to sell or otherwise dispose of the cigarettes shall ((collect from the buyer or transferee thereof the tax imposed on such buyer or transferee by this chapter and remit the same to the department after deducting)) pay, or satisfy its precollection obligation that is imposed by this chapter, the tax required by this chapter by remitting the tax or causing stamps to be affixed in the manner provided in rules adopted by the department.

    (2) When stamps are required to be affixed, the person may deduct from the tax collected the compensation ((he would have been entitled to)) allowable under ((the provisions of)) this chapter ((if he had affixed stamps to the unstamped cigarettes.  Such)).  The remittance or the affixing of stamps shall, in the case of cigarettes obtained in the manner set forth in RCW 82.24.250(7)(c), be made at the same time and manner as ((remittances of the retail sales tax as required under chapters 82.08 and 82.32 RCW.  In the event the retailer fails to collect the tax from the buyer or transferee, or fails to remit the same, the retailer shall be personally liable therefor, and shall be subject to the administrative provisions of RCW 82.24.230 with respect to the collection thereof by the department)) required in RCW 82.24.250(7)(c).  ((The provisions of))

    (3) This section shall not relieve the buyer or possessor of unstamped cigarettes from personal liability for the tax imposed by this chapter.

    (4) Nothing in this section shall relieve a wholesaler or a retailer from the requirements of affixing stamps pursuant to RCW 82.24.040 and 82.24.050.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 12.  A new section is added to chapter 82.24 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) All cigarettes taxed under this chapter that are given away for advertising or other purposes are not required to have the state tax stamp affixed.  Instead, the manufacturer of the cigarettes shall pay the tax on a monthly tax return to be supplied by the department.

    (2) The tax is due on or before the twenty-fifth day of the month following the month in which the taxable activities, that is the providing of cigarette samples, occur.  If not paid by the due date, interest applies to any unpaid tax or penalty.  Interest shall be calculated at the rate as computed under RCW 82.32.050(2) from the date the tax became due.

    (3) If upon examination of any returns or from other information obtained by the department it appears that a tax or penalty has been paid less than that properly due, the department shall assess against the taxpayer the additional amount found to be due.  The department shall notify the taxpayer by mail of the additional amount due, including any applicable penalties and interest.  The tax payer shall pay the additional amount within thirty days from the date of the notice, or within such further time as the department may provide.

    (4) All the cigarettes must evidence the payment of the tax by having printed on their packages wording to the following effect:  "Complimentary, not for sale, all applicable state taxes paid by manufacturer."

    (5) All of chapter 82.32 RCW applies to taxes due under this section except:  RCW 82.32.050(1) and 82.32.270.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 13.  A new section is added to chapter 82.24 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) Any additional tax liability arising from a tax rate increase under this chapter shall be paid, along with reports and returns prescribed by the department, on or before the last day of the month in which the increase becomes effective.

    (2) If not paid by the due date, interest shall apply to any unpaid tax or penalty.  Interest shall be calculated at the rate as computed under RCW 82.32.050(2) from the date the tax became due.

    (3) If upon examination of any returns or from other information obtained by the department it appears that a tax or penalty has been paid less than that properly due, the department shall assess against the taxpayer such additional amount found to be due.  The department shall notify the taxpayer by mail of the additional amount due, including any applicable penalties and interest.  The taxpayer shall pay the additional amount within thirty days from the date of the notice, or within such further time as the department may provide.

    (4) All of chapter 82.32 RCW applies to tax rate increases except:  RCW 82.32.050(1) and 82.32.270.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 14.  A new section is added to chapter 82.24 RCW to read as follows:

    The taxes imposed by this chapter do not apply to the sale of cigarettes to:

    (1) United States army, navy, air force, marine corps, or coast guard exchanges and commissaries and navy or coast guard ships' stores;

    (2) The United States veterans' administration; or

    (3) Any authorized purchaser from the federal instrumentalities named in subsection (1) or (2) of this section.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 15.  A new section is added to chapter 82.24 RCW to read as follows:

    The department may adopt such rules as are necessary to enforce and administer this chapter.

 

    Sec. 16.  RCW 82.26.010 and 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 s 70 are each amended to read as follows:

    As used in this chapter:

    (1) "Tobacco products" means cigars, cheroots, stogies, periques, granulated, plug cut, crimp cut, ready rubbed, and other smoking tobacco, snuff, snuff flour, cavendish, plug and twist tobacco, fine-cut and other chewing tobaccos, shorts, refuse scraps, clippings, cuttings and sweepings of tobacco, and other kinds and forms of tobacco, prepared in such manner as to be suitable for chewing or smoking in a pipe or otherwise, or both for chewing and smoking, but shall not include cigarettes as defined in RCW 82.24.010(((4)));

    (2) "Manufacturer" means a person who manufactures and sells tobacco products;

    (3) "Distributor" means (a) any person engaged in the business of selling tobacco products in this state who brings, or causes to be brought, into this state from without the state any tobacco products for sale, (b) any person who makes, manufactures, or fabricates tobacco products in this state for sale in this state, (c) any person engaged in the business of selling tobacco products without this state who ships or transports tobacco products to retailers in this state, to be sold by those retailers;

    (4) "Subjobber" means any person, other than a manufacturer or distributor, who buys tobacco products from a distributor and sells them to persons other than the ultimate consumers;

    (5) "Retailer" means any person engaged in the business of selling tobacco products to ultimate consumers;

    (6) "Sale" means any transfer, exchange, or barter, in any manner or by any means whatsoever, for a consideration, and includes and means all sales made by any person.  It includes a gift by a person engaged in the business of selling tobacco products, for advertising, as a means of evading the provisions of this chapter, or for any other purposes whatsoever.

    (7) "Wholesale sales price" means the established price for which a manufacturer sells a tobacco product to a distributor, exclusive of any discount or other reduction;

    (8) "Business" means any trade, occupation, activity, or enterprise engaged in for the purpose of selling or distributing tobacco products in this state;

    (9) "Place of business" means any place where tobacco products are sold or where tobacco products are manufactured, stored, or kept for the purpose of sale or consumption, including any vessel, vehicle, airplane, train, or vending machine;

    (10) "Retail outlet" means each place of business from which tobacco products are sold to consumers;

    (11) "Department" means the state department of revenue.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 17.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1995.


    Passed the House March 10, 1995.

    Passed the Senate April 23, 1995.

Approved by the Governor May 9, 1995.

    Filed in Office of Secretary of State May 9, 1995.