Tobacco Enforcement

In 1998, the State of Rhode Island was one of 52 states and territories that entered into the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with the major tobacco manufacturers. The Tobacco Enforcement Unit’s primary responsibility is to hold the manufacturers accountable for strict compliance with the MSA -- namely its public health, marketing and payment provisions. We do this by regularly collaborating with Attorneys General throughout the country on compliance and enforcement strategies and tobacco prevention, and working to make laws dealing with tobacco work more effectively.

In 2021, Rhode Island, through the Office of Attorney General, collected over $46.9M from the Manufacturers in accordance with their MSA payment obligations. The Tobacco Enforcement Unit oversaw manufacturers’ certification, and worked with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation to enforce the provisions of Rhode Island’s Escrow Statute.