RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Virginia has received millions from several major tobacco companies as part of a 1998 settlement.

Attorney General Jason Miyares announced on Tuesday that Virginia got a payment of $122.5 million from Philip Morris USA Inc., R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Scandinavian Tobacco Group Lane, and ITG Brands LLC.

According to a release, this stems from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement that resolved Virginia’s lawsuit against the major tobacco companies, which have been accused of violating consumer protection laws and using deceptive marketing practices.

In total, the Commonwealth has gotten $3.3 billion in payments from this agreement.

Under the settlement’s terms, Virginia and 51 other states and territories get annual payments to help defray the cost of health care for smoking-related illnesses.

The settlement also has public health protections for Virginians, such as restrictions against youth marketing of tobacco products, sales of tobacco brand-name merchandise, and tobacco-sponsored entertainment and sporting events.

“The tobacco industry was completely reshaped by the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, which prioritized Virginia consumers’ safety over 25 years ago and continues to today. Carrying out this settlement is a core function of my office and I’m proud of how we proactively protect Virginians daily,” said Miyares. 

The Attorney General's Office’s Tobacco Enforcement Section is responsible for enforcing this agreement.