TEXAS — Texas’ share of a settlement with drugmaker Johnson & Johnson over claims it contributed to the opioid epidemic will come to $290 million, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Tuesday.

The money is Texas’ share of the Global Prescription Opioid Litigation Settlement Agreement announced in July of this year.

According to Paxton, that’s just part of what Texas has coming to it. He said the state is slated to receive up to an additional $1.2 billion from three distributors to go to opioid abatement efforts.

“I am pleased that all parties have reached final agreement on this monumental settlement. This is the next step to bring much-needed funding for Texans who have fallen victim to the irresponsible and deceptive marketing practices from opioid manufacturers that spurred this epidemic,” Paxton said. “My office will continue to aggressively work to hold those accountable for causing this crisis. These funds will bring life-changing resources to those victimized by this tragic crisis.” 

“Bexar County has the second trial setting in the Texas opioid litigation efforts, and sadly has the highest rate of babies being born addicted to opioids in the State of Texas,” Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff wrote in a news release announcing the details of the settlement. “The ability to put the money from this settlement to work for families in the county and to address opioid use disorder across the state right away is an important part of why I support General Paxton and Texas political subdivisions in moving this historic settlement forward.”