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

France’s ANSES Report Reframes the Vape Debate: Harm Reduction Confirmed, Regulatory Barriers Rising
France’s ANSES Report Reframes the Vape Debate: Harm Reduction Confirmed, Regulatory Barriers Rising
France’s top health agency has confirmed that vaping is less harmful than smoking — but not risk-free — reshaping the country’s regulatory trajectory. As Paris withdraws a proposed vape tax and debates stricter ingredient, emissions and youth-protection rules, the ANSES report signals not prohibition, but tighter technical oversight. For manufacturers, retailers and EU policymakers, France may be previewing Europe’s next phase of nicotine governance.
Special Report
Feb.23
UK reminds vaping firms to apply for new excise duty registration from April 2026
UK reminds vaping firms to apply for new excise duty registration from April 2026
HMRC has issued a reminder urging vaping manufacturers, importers and warehouse operators to prepare for registration under the UK’s new Vaping Products Duty, with applications opening in April 2026 and the duty taking effect in October.
Feb.10
The UK government plans to expand the scope of its e-cigarette ban to include playgrounds, off-campus areas, and areas outside hospitals.
The UK government plans to expand the scope of its e-cigarette ban to include playgrounds, off-campus areas, and areas outside hospitals.
Government plans would ban vaping in cars carrying children and restrict smoking, vaping and heated tobacco in settings including playgrounds and outside schools across England, subject to a 12-week public consultation. The proposals also say indoor spaces where smoking is already banned would become vape- and heated-tobacco-free, and areas outside hospitals would be included.
Feb.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kansas Senate approves tougher vape rules to target unlicensed products and child-directed ads
Kansas Senate approves tougher vape rules to target unlicensed products and child-directed ads
The Kansas Senate approved Senate Bill 355 on Wednesday, aiming to crack down on unlicensed vaping products and eliminate advertisements geared toward children. The bill, backed by major tobacco companies, would impose the same licensing and advertising requirements on e-cigarettes as other nicotine products and require every e-cigarette manufacturer doing business in Kansas to obtain a license, with a $2,500 application fee.
Feb.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangladesh enforces a complete ban on e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products, with jail and heavy fines
Bangladesh enforces a complete ban on e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products, with jail and heavy fines
UNB reports that Bangladesh has imposed a complete ban on e-cigarettes, vapes, and other emerging tobacco products as the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use Control (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 has come into effect.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New Zealand’s largest vape retailer Shosha accused of using “hidden text” on its website
New Zealand’s largest vape retailer Shosha accused of using “hidden text” on its website
New Zealand vape retailer Shosha is accused of using hidden, white-on-white text on its website to promote refillable and disposable vapes. A Health Ministry spokesperson said it could not comment on individual businesses’ compliance status while matters are being assessed, and said the ministry continues to monitor digital advertising and promotional activity and will act where it considers there may be a breach.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai