Sign in Subscribe
Youth

Bipartisan Coalition Supports Continuation of National Youth Tobacco Survey

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 22 attorneys general, has submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in support of the continuation of the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). The NYTS is an annual study that assesses smoking and vaping among middle and high school students, providing valuable insights into youth tobacco use and emerging nicotine products.

This bipartisan effort is a significant step in addressing youth tobacco use, a critical issue that has been a priority for state attorneys general for over two decades. The coalition's letter highlights the importance of NYTS data in informing and supporting efforts to curb youth tobacco use. Moreover, it emphasizes the need to protect the survey from potential threats, such as the Trump Administration's recent actions, which have raised concerns about the reversal of progress made in tobacco control efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) is an annual study assessing smoking and vaping among middle and high school students, providing valuable insights into youth tobacco use and emerging nicotine products.
  • The NYTS data has shaped efforts led by state attorneys general to curb youth tobacco use for over two decades.
  • The Trump Administration's actions, such as eliminating the Office on Smoking and Health at the CDC, threaten to undo progress made in tobacco control efforts.
  • Attorney General Rob Bonta leads a bipartisan coalition of 22 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter to the CDC and HHS in support of the continuation of the NYTS.
  • The Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) bars tobacco companies from misleading the public regarding the negative health impacts of tobacco use and prohibits them from targeting youth in advertising.
  • The MSA has generated over $171 billion in ongoing payments from the tobacco companies to the states.
  • Attorney General Bonta has directed the California Department of Justice's Tobacco Grant Program to support statewide enforcement of the flavor ban and similar local flavor ordinances.
  • The California Department of Justice has secured a $462 million multistate settlement agreement with JUUL Labs Inc. and six other states, with California receiving a total of $175.8 million.
  • The funds from the settlement are helping California fund research, education, and enforcement efforts related to e-cigarettes.

Statistics:

  • Over 171 billion dollars have been generated in ongoing payments from tobacco companies to states through the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA).
  • The settlement money from JUUL Labs Inc. and six other states will provide $175.8 million to California, the highest amount received by any state yet.
  • The Multistate settlement agreement with JUUL Labs Inc. and six other states amounts to $462 million.

Sources:

  • California Attorney General's Office, "Attorney General Bonta Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of National Youth Tobacco Survey" (August 15, 2025)
  • Albawaba (Albawaba.com) "California Attorney General Bonta Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of National Youth Tobacco Survey" (2025)

Read more