Albertsons operates in California through subsidiaries including Safeway and Vons.
While the parties have agreed on the total potential payment to eligible state and local governments, important negotiations remain. These include injunctive relief measures that would govern Albertsons' future opioid dispensing practices.
The negotiations were led by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, and Oregon. This coalition structure suggests the settlement may extend beyond California to include multiple states where Albertsons operates pharmacies.
"This agreement is part of our ongoing fight to bring help and healing to communities harmed by the opioid crisis," Bonta said. "The California Department of Justice has worked closely with our coalition partners to hold corporate actors accountable for fueling this public health crisis. We will continue to address the epidemic from all angles and support individuals and families affected by it."
The agreement in principle status indicates that while core financial terms have been negotiated, the parties must still finalize operational restrictions, compliance monitoring, and other non-monetary relief. The timeline for completing these remaining negotiations was not disclosed.