TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Apr 26, 2023

The state of Tennessee has received a payment of $163.9 million from the major tobacco companies that joined the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced today. The landmark settlement, finalized in 1998, resolved Tennessee’s lawsuit against the major tobacco companies for violations of consumer protection laws and deceptive marketing practices that caused damages to the state, including increased healthcare costs. To date, Tennessee has received $3.8 billion from the agreement. The new funds will be dispersed annually and will be used to help defray the cost of health care for smoking-related illnesses. The agreement also includes restrictions on companies marketing tobacco products to youth, selling tobacco-branded merchandise and sponsoring entertainment and sporting events. Read more on the attorney general's website.