The 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) was a landmark legal agreement between the U.S. tobacco industry and 46 states. It aimed to resolve lawsuits related to the health care costs associated with smoking. The agreement required tobacco companies to pay billions of dollars to the states over several years, which would be used for public health initiatives and anti-smoking campaigns. In addition to financial payments, the MSA imposed restrictions on tobacco advertising and marketing, particularly aimed at youth. It also established guidelines for the tobacco industry, including the prohibition of certain promotional practices and the requirement for companies to disclose information about their products.