Harris County Attorney Menefee Announces Settlement against Cigarette Companies in Vaping Case

Style Magazine Newswire | 11/2/2023, 9:35 a.m.
Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee announced a settlement of the county’s lawsuit against Altria Group, Inc., Philip Morris USA, …
Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee announced a settlement of the county’s lawsuit against Altria Group, Inc., Philip Morris USA, Inc., and related companies over their role in deceptively marketing Juul e-cigarette products to minors.

“This is an important win for Harris County residents and government. 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,” said Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee.

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. This 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. Commissioners Court will decide how to distribute those funds.

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