HOUSTON – Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee has announced a settlement of the county’s lawsuit against Altria Group, Philip Morris USA and related companies over their alleged role in deceptively marketing Juul e-cigarette products to minors.
“This is an important win for Harris County residents and government,” Menefee said. “E-cigarette companies pushed Juul products on our youth and got kids across the country addicted to vaping. These lawsuits are about holding them accountable.”
Juul, an electronic nicotine delivery system, uses a heating element to convert a nicotine solution into an aerosol for user consumption.
Harris County’s lawsuit alleged that after Altria became a part owner of Juul, it coordinated expanding the company’s kid-friendly nicotine flavors to a broader market of potential customers.
In 2021, Harris County became the first governmental entity in Texas to file suit against Juul, Altria, and related entities over the youth vaping epidemic.
In February, Harris County resolved its claims against Juul as part of a global settlement.
The funds from the settlement against Altria and other entities will be deposited into Harris County’s general fund. The Commissioners Court will decide how to distribute those funds.