Tobacco Settlement Agreements
In November 1998, the nation’s leading cigarette manufacturers signed the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with the Attorneys General of 46 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Prior to entering into the MSA, the same tobacco companies had reached separate agreements with Florida, Minnesota, Mississippi and Texas. These agreements are collectively referred to as the Tobacco Settlement Agreements.
The Tobacco Settlement agreements created fundamental changes in how tobacco products are advertised, marketed and sold in the United States. These agreements require the Participating Cigarette Manufacturers to make ongoing payments to the states in perpetuity, as shown in the chart above. The agreements also sought to resolve litigation brought by the States seeking health-care cost reimbursements from the tobacco companies. For more information, click on the tabs below:
Please note that the substantive provisions of the MSA are complex and broad in scope. The links above highlight some of the important provisions of the agreement. This summary is not intended to cover everything and is not intended to alter, interpret or supersede any of the terms of the agreement. The full text of the agreement is available on the National Association of Attorneys General website.