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Key events in state suits against tobacco industry:
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Spring 1994 |
Mississippi files the first state suit on behalf of taxpayers forced to pay sick smokers' health costs. Within weeks, class action lawsuits representing millions of smokers nationwide also are filed against the tobacco industry.
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1994-1997
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Dozens of other states follow Mississippi's lead and the tobacco industry, which had never settled any lawsuit, starts talking about a national agreement.
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June 1997
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A national deal is offered: If state and class action suits are dropped and cigarette-makers are protected from smokers seeking fines for past industry misconduct, tobacco firms would:
- Accept restrictions aimed at reducing the number of young smokers.
- Pay $368.5 billion over 25 years to the states and federal government.
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1997-1998
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As Congress considered the proposed national deal, the industry began settling with a few individual states. In the meantime, the cost of the proposed settlement mushrooms to $516 billion.
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April 1998
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The tobacco industry withdraws from the proposed national settlement.
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Summer 1998
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The industry and eight states begin holding private talks to draw up a settlement that does not require Congressional approval.
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November 14, 1998
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Negotiators from the industry and the eight states reach a tentative agreement that could apply to all 46 states that have not already settled.
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Related stories:
- Clinton backs tobacco deal - November 16, 1998
- States to review new tobacco deal - November 16, 1998
- Tobacco, states reach tentative settlement - November 13, 1998
- States, tobacco industry near $200B deal - November 10, 1998
- Tobacco documents show companies vied for youth market - October 30, 1998
- Jury seated in trial of tobacco lawsuit filed by smokers - October 16, 1998
- Jury selection begins in Florida tobacco trial - July 6, 1998
- Tobacco talks adjourn; both sides claim progress being made - July 31, 1998
- Tobacco industry says it won't settle $200 billion suit - July 6, 1998
- Settlements reached by states with the tobacco industry - May 9, 1998
- Tobacco fight moves back to Capitol Hill - May 9, 1998
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