A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Montana lawmaker Ron Marshall against large tobacco companies, claiming they were violating a state settlement and that Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen was not doing his job due to a cozy relationship with the companies. Marshall alleged that the companies were lobbying against his bill, HB 149, which aimed to protect vape shop owners from being forced into selling products from larger companies, creating a monopoly. However, the judge ruled that Marshall lacked standing to bring the lawsuit and cited legal concepts that were incorrectly applied. The judge also dismissed claims of a conflict of interest involving Knudsen and rejected arguments about lobbying activities not being properly reported. Marshall hinted that he may continue fighting against the tobacco companies despite the court’s decision. The court declined to expand state law or intervene in legislative activities in this case. Editor Darrell Ehrlick can be contacted for questions regarding the article.
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