Enforcing Tobacco Laws
On November 23, 1998, Tennessee and 51 other states and jurisdictions entered an historic multistate settlement with the major tobacco companies, the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). Since its creation, more than 50 tobacco companies have joined the MSA.
Tennessee is projected to receive up to $4.8 billion in payments through the year 2025 and additional payments in perpetuity. The MSA also places significant restrictions on tobacco advertising and marketing as well as providing funding for a foundation that addresses youth tobacco use.
To date, Tennessee's general fund has received over $1.9 billion in MSA payments from the tobacco companies.
Escrow Fund Act
The Escrow Fund Act requires tobacco manufacturers who did not join the MSA and whose cigarettes (including roll-your-own tobacco) are sold to consumers in Tennessee to make escrow deposits based on the number of cigarettes that the NPM sold to consumers within the State of Tennessee. In general, the Escrow Fund Act requires tobacco manufacturers who did not join the MSA (Non-Participating Manufacturers or NPMs) and whose...Escrow Fund Act forms and information
Directory Statute
On June 6, 2003, Tennessee enacted the Directory Statute, Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 67-4-2601, et seq., which affects the sale of cigarettes (including roll-your-own tobacco) in Tennessee. All tobacco product manufacturers that intend to begin or continue selling cigarettes to consumers in Tennessee, whether directly or through a distributor, retailer, or similar intermediary or intermediaries, must submit a Certification form and...Directory Statute forms and information
