Senate health committee passes SB 74 to direct JUUL settlement funds to youth prevention and cessation programs
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Summary
The Senate Committee on Health Services voted unanimously (10–0) to create a vaping settlement trust fund under SB 74 that will hold JUUL settlement proceeds and direct them to Kentucky's tobacco prevention and cessation programs focused on youth.
The Senate Committee on Health Services voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 74, which would create a vaping settlement trust fund to hold and direct proceeds from litigation against JUUL Labs to Kentucky’s tobacco prevention and cessation programs concentrated on youth.
Senator Craig Richardson, sponsor of SB 74, told the committee the bill would create a state trust fund within the treasury to ensure settlement dollars are used for their intended public-health purpose. "At its core, this is legislation that is about accountability," Richardson said, saying the money should support youth prevention and cessation and allow unused funds to be carried forward.
Two student witnesses told the committee they have seen e-cigarette use and marketing aimed at young people in Kentucky schools. Ksenia Miller, a junior at Villa Madonna Academy and member of a youth advisory board, said marketing used "fun colors and fruity candy flavors" and concluded: "Because Juul wanted us to vape." Delaney Crump, a student at Boyd County High School, told members Kentucky had won a $14,000,000 settlement in 2022 and that the state will receive "just over $1,000,000 per year for the next 3 to 6 years," urging legislators to dedicate the funds to youth nicotine prevention and cessation.
Senator Carroll asked whether the bill covers future settlements from other manufacturers; Richardson said it is intended to cover settlements under the same umbrella and apply the trust to similarly obtained funds. Committee testimony said existing JUUL payments have been deposited to the general fund rather than a designated account.
After a motion and second, the clerk called the roll and the committee recorded a 10–0 vote in favor of SB 74. The clerk recorded aye votes from Senators Rocky Adams, Berg, Carroll, Herron, Mills, Nimitz, Rawlings, Richardson, Tichenor and Chairman Meredith.
The bill was reported favorably from committee; the chair thanked the youth witnesses and the bill sponsor.
Next steps: SB 74 will proceed through the legislative process for further committee consideration and floor action, as applicable.
