Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement

The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) is a legal deal reached in 1998 among major cigarette companies and nearly all U.S. states. It resolved lawsuits claiming tobacco companies hid health risks and caused healthcare costs. The agreement required tobacco firms to pay billions annually to states, limit certain advertising practices (especially aimed at youth), and share industry information. Its goal was to reduce smoking-related health issues and costs, while providing funds for anti-smoking efforts. The MSA significantly changed how tobacco companies operate and how public health campaigns combat smoking.