Future tobacco-use prevention efforts could be funded by litigation

The state is currently engaged in a lawsuit with a tobacco company that is not paying its share of a multi-billion-dollar settlement reached in 1998. Those funds should be dedicated to addressing tobacco use, Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL-Eagan) said.

She sponsors HF1058, which would dedicate money from the state’s current lawsuit – if awarded through a settlement or litigation – to support tobacco-use prevention efforts.

The bill was amended and laid over by the House Health and Human Services Finance Division Wednesday for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.

Molly Moilanen, left, vice president of ClearWay Minnesota watches as Rep. Laurie Halverson shows a tobacco product marketed as “unicorn drops” during debate on her bill, HF1058. Photo by Andrew VonBank

A companion, SF1029, is sponsored by Sen. Jeff Hayden (DFL-Mpls) and awaits action by the Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee.

The House bill would also create a designated account to collect these funds and appropriate $12 million per year for prevention activities by the Department of Health. If the “tobacco use prevention account” contains less than $12 million, then the amount available would be appropriated instead.

“It’s not enough, it’s a drop in the bucket,” but could make a big difference in the lives of young people and minorities, who continue to be targeted by marketing efforts, Halverson said.

Currently, no proceeds from the 1998 settlement are explicitly dedicated to the support of prevention efforts, said Doug Berg from the nonpartisan House Fiscal Analysis Department.

E-cigarettes, which are already taxed and regulated like tobacco, would fall under the purview of these prevention efforts, though other substances, like marijuana, would not, Halverson said in response to a question by Rep. Jeremy Munson (R-Lake Crystal).

Rep. Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River) asked what would happen if current litigation regarding the settlement does not result in additional funding for the state, and the tobacco company continues not making the payments intended to fund the proposal.

“This is an ‘if’ situation,” Halverson replied. “If-then.”