Lake Jackson Council Votes to Join Purdue Opioid Settlement Agreement

The Lake Jackson City Council convened on August 18, 2025, to address several pressing issues, including participation in opioid settlements and the enforcement of regulations on massage establishments.

The meeting began with a discussion on the city's involvement in opioid settlements at the state level. A council member explained that Texas has agreed to manage these settlements collectively, allowing cities to participate without individual lawsuits against manufacturers. The city has previously signed off on several agreements, but funding has been slow to reach local levels due to ongoing disputes at the state. The council was asked to approve participation in a new settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, which was unanimously approved after a motion and second from council members.

Following this, the council turned its attention to the regulation of massage establishments. A council member highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of existing ordinances to combat illegal activities, including human trafficking. Recent closures of three businesses due to expired licenses prompted a review of the current regulations. The council discussed the importance of collaboration between code enforcement and the police department to ensure compliance with the law.

Concerns were raised about advertisements from some establishments that suggested illicit services. The council acknowledged the challenges posed by businesses that operate outside legal boundaries and emphasized the need for a robust response to deter such activities. The discussion included potential amendments to the ordinance based on recent changes in state legislation, which would allow for stricter regulations on businesses with a history of violations.

The council agreed to direct staff to explore additional measures to strengthen the ordinance and ensure effective enforcement. This included the possibility of consulting with experts in the field to enhance the city's approach to regulating massage establishments.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing public health issues related to opioid abuse and ensuring the integrity of local businesses through effective regulation. The next steps involve further collaboration among city departments and a review of the proposed changes to the massage establishment ordinance.