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File #: 241545    Version:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 1/21/2025 In control: COMMON COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 2/11/2025
Effective date:    
Title: Substitute resolution relating to authorization of the acceptance of funds from the JUUL Labs, Inc. lawsuit.
Sponsors: ALD. JACKSON
Indexes: SMOKING, SUITS SETTLEMENT

Number

241545

Version

SUBSTITUTE 1

Reference

161061, 190458, 190817, 221799, 220562, 221904, 240558

Sponsor

ALD. JACKSON

Title

Substitute resolution relating to authorization of the acceptance of funds from the JUUL Labs, Inc. lawsuit.

Analysis

This resolution authorizes the acceptance of funds from the lawsuit entitled In re: JUUL Labs Inc., Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, Case No. 3:19-md-02913, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in the amount of $249,338.49.

 

Body

Whereas, The City of Milwaukee filed a lawsuit against JUUL Labs, Inc., et. al., on December 21, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No. 3:2020-cv-09269; and

 

Whereas, The City’s claim was subsequently consolidated in a multi-district litigation action, In re: JUUL Labs Inc., Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, Case No. 3:19-md-02913, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California; and

 

Whereas, The City asserted various claims against the defendants that alleged that as a result of defendants’ conduct, youth e-cigarette and vapor use escalated, causing a public health crisis; and

 

Whereas, The City sought damages, and any other eligible monetary relief, to address, remedy, and abate the youth e-cigarette and vaping public health crisis in Milwaukee; and

 

Whereas, Pursuant to and following extensive litigation and discovery, defendant JUUL Labs, Inc., made an offer of settlement for all potential settling governmental entities in the multi-district litigation, including the City of Milwaukee; and

 

Whereas, Counsel for the parties have reached an agreement to settle the above-referenced lawsuit for a total amount of $2,473,772.52 to be paid to the City subject to approval by the Common Council; and

 

Whereas, The total settlement amount shall be paid in installments, with the first installment amounting to 50% of the total, and smaller increments paid thereafter; and

 

Whereas, The total amount may increase, as there is a litigation reserve; and

 

Whereas, The City Attorney recommends and the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee deems it expeditious and just to settle this lawsuit; and

 

Whereas, The appropriation of the funds received from this settlement will be determined via subsequent legislation; and

 

Whereas, The City received its third settlement installment payment in the amount of $249,338.49; now, therefore, be it

 

Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the proper City officials are authorized to accept the third installment payment of $249,338.49 from the lawsuit entitled In re: JUUL Labs Inc., Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, Case No. 3:19-md-02913, and to deposit these funds into the JUUL Labs Settlement Proceeds Fund 987038-0180-9990-VS000240000; and, be it

 

Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is authorized and directed to establish the necessary accounts and accounting procedures to carry out the intent of this resolution.

 

Requestor

City Attorney

Drafter

LRB180484-2

01/27/2025