Code of Maine Rules
26 - DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
239 - DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL - GENERAL
Chapter 200 - RULES IMPLEMENTING THE MAINE TOBACCO MASTER SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

SUMMARY: This chapter describes the procedures under which the Attorney General may require a tobacco product manufacturer to make quarterly certifications and escrow deposits and certain procedures relating to the directory. The Tobacco Manufacturers Act, 22 M.R.S.A. §1580-G, et seq., and the Tobacco Product Manufacturers Act, 22 M.R.S.A. §1580-L (hereinafter, collectively known as the "Tobacco Acts") were passed as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement ("MSA") entered into between 46 states, including Maine, and the major tobacco companies, requiring tobacco product manufacturers not participating in the MSA to set up qualified escrow accounts and to deposit funds into the accounts based on the number of manufacturers' cigarettes sold in each state. The Tobacco Acts provide for enforcement of the escrow obligations through setting up a directory to which all compliant tobacco product manufacturers are listed. These Rules provide tobacco product manufacturers with guidelines on how to become compliant and maintain their compliant status. Pursuant to 22 M.R.S.A. §1580-L(14), the Department of the Attorney General is responsible for administering the Tobacco Acts, and for promulgating these Rules.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S.A. §1580-L(14) .