Under the measure, the tobacco tax would go from the current 7 cents per cigarette up to 9 cents next summer, an increase of 40 cents per pack of 20 cigarettes to $1.80. Increases over the next two years would put the tax at 11 cents per cigarette, or $2.20 per pack, in 2007 and 13 cents per cigarette, or $2.60 per pack, in 2008.

Within three years, today's $5 pack of cigarettes would cost $6.20 if the measure is signed into law.

Money from the increase would be distributed to the state's general fund, as well as prevention programs, with 50 percent going to the Tobacco Prevention and Control Trust Fund.