West Virginia Governor Signs Bill Directing USD 2.9 Million From Juul Settlement to Youth Tobacco Prevention

Key Takeaways

• Governor Patrick Morrisey has signed House Bill 5691 into law in West Virginia.
• The bill directs USD 2.9 million from the Juul settlement to youth tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
• The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network welcomed the signing.
• Legislative records show the bill passed the House on March 11, passed the Senate on March 13 and was sent to the governor on March 18.
• The original report said West Virginia has the highest adult smoking rate in the country, that more than 28% of high school students use tobacco products, and that 37.8% of cancer deaths in the state are caused by cigarette smoking.

2Firsts, March 20, 2026

According to WVVA, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network said West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has signed House Bill 5691 into law, directing USD 2.9 million from the Juul settlement toward youth tobacco prevention programs and programs that help people already addicted quit.

House Bill 5691 directs USD 2.9 million to youth tobacco prevention and cessation programs

ACS CAN said it commends Morrisey for signing House Bill 5691. According to the group, the USD 2.9 million allocation from the Juul settlement will support youth tobacco prevention efforts and programs designed to help people already addicted to tobacco products quit.

The original report said House Bill 5691 is a supplemental appropriation bill. The Legislature’s bill history shows it passed the House on March 11, passed the Senate on March 13 and was sent to the governor on March 18.

ACS CAN says West Virginia has the highest adult smoking rate in the country

Doug Hogan, ACS CAN’s government relations director, said the group views the funding as a needed investment as e-cigarettes and other tobacco products continue targeting young people.

The original report cited state tobacco statistics saying West Virginia has the highest adult smoking rate in the country, that more than 28% of high school students use tobacco products, and that 37.8% of cancer deaths in the state are caused by cigarette smoking.

Original reporting said the bill had completed the legislative process and was sent to the governor

The original reporting section said House Bill 5691 is a supplemental appropriation bill for the Department of Health for smoking and vaping cessation efforts.

According to the bill action history on the Legislature’s website, the bill passed the House on March 11 and passed the Senate on March 13, then was sent to the governor on March 18. The original report also said the bill’s sponsors include Delegate Criss, Delegate Riley, Delegate Hall and Delegate Mazzocchi.

Photo credit: WVVA