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Missouri House Hears Bill That Could Impact Tobacco Trial

March 24, 1998
By: Melissa Phillips
State Capital Bureau Attorney General Jay Nixon is putting his support behind a House bill that could help the state win its case against the tobacco industry.

Melissa Phillips has the details from Jefferson City.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC Attorney General Jay Nixon is asking the state legislature to strengthen Missouri laws dealing with tobacco litigation.

Nixon says this would prevent tobacco companies from using delay tactics that he claims have been used in other states to slow down proceedings.

Actuality:Attorney General Jay Nixon
RunTime: 10
OutCue: ...smoker by smoker."
Contents: "This bill will allow the state to seek damages due to Medicaid payments against the tobacco industry for all the smokers at once, instead of determing the damage... smoker by smoker."

Lawyers for the tobbacco industry argue however, the bill is unconstitutional.

They say it changes the law in the middle of a lawsuit, so that it will be easier for the state to win.

From Jefferson City, this is Melissa Phillips reporting.

Attorney General Jay Nixon wants to make it tougher for tobacco companies to defend themselves against a state lawsuit.

Melissa Phillips has the story from Jefferson City.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC Missouri's lawsuit against cigarette makers is aimed at recovering state money spent on Medicaid to treat tobacco related illnesses.

Now, a bill House Judiciary members are considering could make it easier for the state to prove its case.

Attorney General Jay Nixon says it would allow Missouri to seek damages for all the smokers at once.

Actuality:Attorney General Jay Nixon
RunTime: 10
OutCue: ...and every year."
Contents: "The state of Missouri spends 100-million per year to treat

tobacco related illnesses among its Medicaid recipients, and tobacco use kills 10-thousand Missourians each and every year."

The bill would allow the state to use statistical evidence without having to prove individual injuries suffered by smokers.

Tobacco lawyers argue though, the measure is unconstitutional.

In Jefferson City, this is Melissa Phillips reporting.

A bill in the Missouri legislature could pave the way to an easy victory in the state's lawsuit against tobacco companies.

Melissa Phillips reports from Jefferson City.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC Attorney General Jay Nixon is backing a plan before the House Judiciary Committee that would allow the state to use statistical evidence... rather than having to prove injuries suffered by individual smokers.

Nixon says the bill would ensure a speedier and less costly victory in court, while dismissing worries that the measure could threaten other industries.

Actuality:Attorney General Jay Nixon
RunTime: 10
OutCue: ...have a problem."
Contents: "No other industry need be worried, unless you put out a product for 40 years that you knew would kill people, and unless you knowingly concealed that information... you do not have a problem."

Tobacco industry lawyers argue that other states are already taking similar action against gun manufacturers, and that alcohol is another possible target.

From Jefferson City, this is Melissa Phillips reporting.