History

In 1996, Oklahoma’s Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Big Tobacco for predatory marketing and egregious efforts to normalize smoking. By 1998, 45 other states had filed similar lawsuits, and four of the largest tobacco companies agreed to negotiate a national settlement.  This became known as the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). As part of the MSA, the tobacco industry ended its efforts to target youth. Advertising, marketing and promotional activities were curtailed, and the tobacco industry was banned from using cartoons, transit advertising and most forms of outdoor advertising to promote products. The Master Settlement Agreement also banned branded merchandise, free product samples (except in adult-only facilities) and most tobacco sponsorships. Plus, participating states receive an annual payment from the tobacco industry as long as cigarettes are sold nationally.

Voters in 2000 approved the creation of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, a bipartisan decision. This made Oklahoma the first state to protect its MSA payments in a constitutional trust.

Seventy-five percent of each annual payment is deposited in the trust. Only the earnings are used each year. This preserves the fund for grants and programs that improve health for future generations. The remaining 25 percent is split.

• The Legislature receives 18.75% for its Tobacco Settlement Fund
• The Attorney General’s office receives 6.25% for ongoing MSA enforcement provisions

Each evidence-based initiative is designed to fight Oklahoma's two leading causes of preventable death — cancer and cardiovascular disease — by promoting healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco-free lifestyles. 

Witness the extraordinary story of TSET.