Daily Doc: RJR, April 1, 1989: RJR legislative counsel briefing book
Daily Doc: RJR legislative counsel briefing book
Title: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company State Government Relations Legislative Counsel Briefing Book
RJR, April 1, 1989
Bates #: 513197304 - 513197396
February 3, 2000
You say you don't like the way the legal system works? Too many lawsuits coming down the pike? No problem! Just change the legal system and make it tougher to bring those suits.
What's that? Existing laws are putting a crimp in your ability to market a deadly product? Can't use certain promotions because they are illegal? No problem, just change the existing laws, or add the new ones you want. Mix 'n' match till you get it the way you want.
Oh, and here come more pesky proposed laws enabling doctors to mention tobacco use on death certificates. Can't have any of that.
This is a laundry list of tobacco industry control efforts in the Amerian judicial system, legislatures, political campaigns, on death certificates and more.
CITATION
Title: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company State Government Relations Legislative Counsel Briefing Book
Type of Document: Company Manual
Author: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Date: 19890401
Site: U.S. Centers for Disease Control Tobacco Industry Document site, Minnesota Selection
Bates No. 513197304 - 513197396
Page Count: 93
URL: http://outside.cdc.gov:8080/BASIS/ncctld/web/mnimages/DDW?W=DETAILSID%3D24310
QUOTES
B. State Activities Division [of the Tobacco Institute]
MISSION
Maintain the members' ability to engage in normal business activities in the states by (1) defeating adverse state and local legislation; (2) opposing unfair regulatory practices; (3) advancing, or defending against, relevant ballot measures; (4) seeking adoption of legislative and other opportunities that allow the members to engage in normal business activity.
B. TORT REFORM
ISSUE
Continued tort and product liability reform is needed at the federal, and state level to reduce exposure to product liability lawsuits.
BACKGROUND:
With 61 product liability cases pending against the tobacco industry, including 33 cases against RJRT, the Company has been actively involved in state and federal legislative efforts at tort reform through the industry's Ad Hoc Committee on tort reform. The tobacco industry seeks to make the defense of existing cases less onerous, reduce the likelihood of inflated verdicts and discourage the filing of future claims. Reform efforts are directed at the plaintiff's burden of proof, punitive damages and the defense of contributory negligence. During the past 3-4 years, more than 30 states have enacted tort and product liability reform legislation. Presently, the industry is engaged in offensive or defensive projects in 8 states...
STRATEGY
Support TI and other coalitions....in (1) instituting tort reform legislation and (2) defending against efforts from roll-back attempts by the plaintiff's bar.
C. MARKETING
ISSUE
Certain RJRT sales promotions and marketing strategies/new products require changes in existing laws to allow their introduction.
BACKGROUND
The "Millionaire Cash Quiz, and on-pack contest introduced by RJRT in 1988, required changes in existing promotional contest registration laws in some states and negotiations with regulatory officials in other states. The law was changed in Arizona to allow that state to participate in future promotions involving "games of chance." The introduction of RJRT's "Century" brand cigarette (containing 25 cigarettes per pack) required changes in tax laws of 17 states that based taxes on packs of 20 cigarettes....
STRATEGY
Obtain favorable amendments to statutes/regulation inhibiting promotions and new product introductions.
G. DEATH CERTIFICATES
ISSUE
the inclusion of notations on death certificates regarding tobacco use of the decedent will result in grossly misleading data, is intended solely for the purpose of generating public sentiment adverse to the tobacco industry, and is contrary to sound public health policy.
In 1988, three states (Washington, Oregon and Utah) revised their death certificates to include a questions regarding the decedent's tobacco use. In 1989, Nebraska similarly revised its death certificate. Action in all four states was by regulatory bodies, not legislatures. In 1989, thus far, 11 states have introduced legislation to require tobacco questions to be placed on death certificates; bills have been defeated in 7 states...
STRATEGY
Support TI in monitoring and defeating all regulatory and legislative attempts to place specific tobacco use or "contribution" questions on death certificates.
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Anne Landman, Regional Program Coordinator
American Lung Association of Colorado, West Region Office
Grand Junction, CO
(970) 245-2120
afoxland@gj.net
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