The Commonwealth of Virginia received nearly $110 million in tobacco settlement award funds from major tobacco companies as part of its participation in the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, Attorney General Jay Jones announced on May 2.
This funding is important because it helps support public health programs and enforces tobacco laws in Virginia. The settlement was created to address the impact of deceptive marketing and consumer protection law violations by major tobacco companies, which led to serious health problems and increased healthcare costs for Virginians.
“The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement allows states like Virginia to continue holding major corporations accountable for the tremendous toll their industry has taken on the health and lives of those in the Commonwealth,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “These funds will enable Virginia to continue enforcing our tobacco laws, and direct essential funding to programs like the Virginia Healthcare Fund and the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth as they work to combat underage tobacco use. My office will always hold those who do wrong by Virginians accountable.”
Since joining the Master Settlement Agreement, Virginia has received over $3.5 billion in payments. Under its terms, annual payments are made to states and territories including Virginia, helping offset healthcare costs related to smoking-related illnesses while supporting economic opportunities for regions that once depended on big tobacco companies. The agreement also includes measures such as restrictions on youth marketing of tobacco products, sales of brand-name merchandise, and sponsorships at entertainment or sporting events.
Attorney General Jay Jones’s office is responsible for enforcing both this agreement and related statutes through its Tobacco Enforcement Section. These efforts use state and federal laws alongside settlement terms to ensure compliance by local companies so that benefits continue reaching Virginians.
According to the official website, the Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement as well as victim assistance programs throughout the state. The office also provides legal counsel for state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights according to its official site. Jason Miyares currently serves as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia according to official information, serving all residents across the Commonwealth as reported by their website. Other priorities include addressing human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy according to their site, along with offering consumer protection resources against identity theft or fraud as noted online.
Questions about compliance or reports regarding underage or illegal cigarette sales can be directed toward the Office’s Tobacco Enforcement Section.
