Overview
Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement lawsuits were resolved in 1998: the MSA settled claims by 46 U.S. states, D.C. and five territories against the major cigarette manufacturers (Philip Morris, R.J. Reynolds, Lorillard, Liggett and Brown & Williamson) over smoking-related health costs. The MSA requires annual payments totaling roughly $206 billion over 25 years, plus marketing, advertising and youth-targeting restrictions (per the MSA and reporting). Payments have continued for decades; the matter is closed/archived as a settlement record — we publish it as a landmark reference, with no new intake.
Status of the science / claims: The MSA is a settlement of state cost-recovery claims against cigarette manufacturers, with annual payments and marketing/advertising restrictions; it is not a scientific finding (per the MSA).
Companies involved
Settlement amounts
MSA annual payments total about $206 billion over 25 years (per the MSA and reporting). Payment schedules have been adjusted in state-specific deals over time (per the MSA and state reports). The matter is settled; no amount can be promised.
Key dates
- January 1, 2000Annual payments and marketing restrictions begin under the MSA (per MSA)
- November 23, 1998Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement signed by 46 states, D.C. and five territories and the major manufacturers (per MSA)
- May 1, 1994State attorneys general begin suing major cigarette makers over smoking-related health costs (per MSA and reporting)
Updates
- Updated Nov 23, 1998New landmark (Sep 2026): 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement — 46 states, D.C. and territories; ~$206B over 25 years plus marketing restrictions (per MSA and reporting).
Notable filings
No notable filings recorded yet. Docket entries are added from public court records as they appear.
FAQ
What is the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement?
A 1998 settlement between 46 states, D.C. and five territories and the major cigarette manufacturers over state smoking-related health costs (per the MSA).
How much did tobacco companies pay?
The MSA requires annual payments totaling roughly $206 billion over 25 years, plus marketing and youth-targeting restrictions (per the MSA and reporting).
Is the tobacco settlement still paying?
Yes — annual MSA payments continue decades later, with schedules adjusted in some states (per the MSA and state reporting). The litigation itself is settled; no new intake applies.
Think this matters to you?
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