MADISON – A bill that would require state workers who smoke to pay $50 more per month for health insurance passed the Wisconsin legislature’s budget committee earlier this week, the Associated Press reports.

The state’s Joint Finance Committee passed the measure 13-3 earlier this week. Twelve other states currently impose similar fees, though anti-smoking groups actually oppose them, arguing they are ineffective at reducing tobacco use. 

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said the fee is necessary because it goes toward funding health care costs for tobacco users, which are roughly 35% higher than for those who don’t smoke. 

Workers who lie about their smoking status face a surcharge if they are caught, though they would not risk losing insurance coverage, as originally proposed.