The Attorney General's Office is the state's top consumer protection and antitrust watchdog. Each year the Office investigates and files lawsuits on behalf of consumers to stop fraudulent and deceptive business practices and ensuring the state's business environment is fair and free from price-fixing, monopolies, and other conduct that interferes with fair competition.
In 1998, the Attorney General's Office reached a settlement with the major tobacco manufacturers that imposes major restrictions on the industry's advertising and marketing machine, curtails its ability to fight anti-tobacco legislation in our political arena, and provides states quick mechanisms to enforce the agreement.
In addition, it provides states approximately $206 billion through the year 2025 - including $4.5 billion for Washington State - to help rectify the harm caused by tobacco. The tobacco settlement is the largest financial recovery in legal history.