Tobacco Industry Lobbyists Influence State Legislatures Across America

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.07.2024
Tobacco Industry Lobbyists Influence State Legislatures Across America
Tobacco industry lobbyists infiltrate state legislatures across U.S., with at least 950 representatives pushing for their interests.

According to a recent report by Statnews, the anti-smoking advocacy group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has found that lobbyists from the tobacco industry have infiltrated state legislatures from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Tallahassee, Florida.

 

The latest version of the "Tobacco Industry Lobbyists and Lobbying Firm Registration Tracking Report" released by the organization states that there are now at least 950 lobbyists representing cigarette, e-cigarette, and snuff companies lobbying in state legislatures across the country. From 2023 to 2024, the number of lobbying registrations related to tobacco companies has increased by over 10%.

 

This data may be underestimated because ASH's overall statistics are based on publicly available lobbying registration data, and some states only require lobbying firms, not individual lobbyists, to register.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Louisiana lawmaker pushes bill to ban vape product sales within 300 feet of schools
Louisiana lawmaker pushes bill to ban vape product sales within 300 feet of schools
A Louisiana lawmaker has introduced HB 302, which would prohibit businesses from selling vapor products within 300 feet of schools. The bill would measure the distance by a person walking on the sidewalk from the nearest point on school property to the nearest point of the business. It would also give the commissioner authority to modify how the distance is calculated, while maintaining the 300-foot limit.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Netherlands plans to raise nicotine purchase age to 21, including vapes
Netherlands plans to raise nicotine purchase age to 21, including vapes
The Netherlands is planning to raise the legal age for buying nicotine-containing products from 18 to 21, a change that would also cover vapes. The move, embedded in the governing coalition’s latest agreement, aligns with a wider European trend toward tighter youth nicotine controls, though industry groups have criticised the proposal and warned it could fuel illicit trade.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
Illegal vape seizures in the UK South East have risen sharply over the past five years, with 2023 marking the high point. While single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025, enforcement teams say disposable products remain in circulation, fueling renewed calls for licensing and stronger enforcement funding.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report | Belarus Rejects Vape Ban, Opts for Tighter Market Controls
Special Report | Belarus Rejects Vape Ban, Opts for Tighter Market Controls
After weeks of debate over a potential blanket prohibition, Belarus has decided against banning electronic cigarettes, choosing instead to tighten control over wholesale, imports and licensing. President Alexander Lukashenko warned that an outright ban could drive the market underground and undermine state revenues, as officials move to curb widespread illicit trade while keeping retail sales largely intact.
Mar.04
Russian Lawmaker Says Bill on Full Vape Sales Ban Is Before State Duma
Russian Lawmaker Says Bill on Full Vape Sales Ban Is Before State Duma
Yaroslav Nilov, chair of the State Duma Committee on Labour, Social Policy and Veterans’ Affairs, said a bill proposing a full ban on vape sales is currently before the State Duma, though no final decision has yet been made. He said the initiative has been signed by representatives of almost all factions and noted that support for a full ban has also been voiced at the regional governor level. Nilov also said vape use in Russia is increasing while the age of consumers is declining.
Mar.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore will maintain etomidate’s classification under drug control laws while preparing new legislation targeting e-vaporisers, as authorities reinforce a hardline regulatory stance on vaping.
Feb.05