SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington lawmakers are proposing a new tax that would make sugary drinks more expensive.
House Bill 2734 would add 3 cents per ounce to drinks with added caloric sweeteners. The tax would start January 1, 2028.
The tax applies to sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened ice teas, juices and coffees. Diet and sugar-free drinks would not be taxed.
A 12-pack of Coke that costs $12.54 now could cost $16.86 with the new tax.
Spokane shoppers shared their thoughts on the bill.
“I find myself pulling in here and buying it…so, I have mixed feelings…nobody likes taxes.. I don’t wanna pay more taxes, honestly if it costs more money I’d probably be paying for less of them…and that’d be a positive thing for me,” Hixson said.
Lawmakers say sugary drinks contribute to preventable chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. They say these health problems impose significant costs on individuals, families, employers and public health systems.
A University of Washington study found cities with similar taxes used the money to help their communities. Seattle used its beverage tax money to provide better access to healthy foods to groups in need.
The state says money collected from this tax can only be distributed to food security and nutrition programs.
The tax would begin January 1, 2028 if passed.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
