States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
New Hampshire Named the Healthiest State in the Nation
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:
* * *
New Hampshire Named the Healthiest State in the Nation
New Hampshire has been ranked the healthiest state in the nation, according to America's Health Rankings, released Thursday by the United Health Foundation. The annual report evaluates states across a broad range of indicators, including social and economic factors, physical environment, clinical care, health behaviors, and health outcomes. Drawing on 99 measures from 31 data sources, the rankings provide a comprehensive snapshot
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:
* * *
New Hampshire Named the Healthiest State in the Nation
New Hampshire has been ranked the healthiest state in the nation, according to America's Health Rankings, released Thursday by the United Health Foundation. The annual report evaluates states across a broad range of indicators, including social and economic factors, physical environment, clinical care, health behaviors, and health outcomes. Drawing on 99 measures from 31 data sources, the rankings provide a comprehensive snapshotof health and well-being nationwide.
"New Hampshire is the healthiest state in the nation because our quality of life is unlike anywhere else," said Governor Kelly Ayotte. "I'm proud we've received yet another #1 ranking and that we continue to lead the country when it comes to health and wellbeing. It's a testament to our dedicated health care workers, our efforts to strengthen mental health, unmatched opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and our commitment to protecting our most vulnerable citizens. I look forward to continuing our work to make health care more affordable and accessible, bring more providers to our state, and deliver an even healthier future for all of New Hampshire."
The ranking builds on a series of recent milestones for the Granite State. Nearly two weeks ago, New Hampshire received more than $204 million for 2026 through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/new-hampshire-awarded-over-204-million-transform-rural-health), the largest award among New England states. New Hampshire also ranks #1 for health care, child wellbeing, and Medicaid mental health services.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/new-hampshire-named-healthiest-state-nation
N.Y. Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Bond Calendar for First Quarter
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 10 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
* * *
DiNapoli Releases Bond Calendar for First Quarter
Tentative Schedule Includes $5.34 Billion of New Money and Refunding Debt Sales
*
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a tentative schedule of planned bond sales for New York state, New York City and their major public authorities during the first quarter of 2026.
The planned sales of $5.34 billion include $3.89 billion of new money and $1.45 billion of refundings as follows:
* $4.48
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 10 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
* * *
DiNapoli Releases Bond Calendar for First Quarter
Tentative Schedule Includes $5.34 Billion of New Money and Refunding Debt Sales
*
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a tentative schedule of planned bond sales for New York state, New York City and their major public authorities during the first quarter of 2026.
The planned sales of $5.34 billion include $3.89 billion of new money and $1.45 billion of refundings as follows:
* $4.48billion scheduled for January, $3.28 billion of which is for new money purposes and $1.20 billion of which is for refunding purposes;
* $615 million scheduled for February, all of which is for new money purposes; and
* $250 million scheduled for March, all of which is for refunding purposes.
These anticipated sales in this first quarter compare to past planned sales of $5.32 billion during the fourth quarter of 2025, and $3.78 billion during first quarter of 2025.
The prospective first quarter calendar includes anticipated bond sales by the following issuers: the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the Long Island Power Authority, the New York City Transitional Finance Authority, the New York City Housing Development Corporation, the New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, the New York State Thruway Authority, and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
The State Comptroller's Office chairs the Securities Coordinating Committee, which was created by Gubernatorial Executive Order primarily to coordinate the borrowing activities of the state, New York City, and their respective public authorities. All borrowings are scheduled at the request of the issuer and done pursuant to their borrowing programs.
A new schedule is released every quarter and updated as necessary. The schedule is released by the committee to assist participants in the municipal bond market. It is contingent upon execution of all project approvals required by law. The collection and release of this information by the Office of the State Comptroller is not intended as an endorsement of the proposed issuances it contains.
* * *
Calendar:
Securities Coordinating Committee (SCC) Forward Issuance Bond Calendar (https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/debt/pdf/debt-scc-calendar.pdf)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2026/01/dinapoli-releases-bond-calendar-first-quarter
Gov. Mills Allows Sen. Bailey Bill to Expand Access to Preventive Cancer and Cardiac Screenings for Firefighters and Police Officers to Become Law
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 10 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco:
* * *
Gov. Mills allows Sen. Bailey bill to expand access to preventive cancer and cardiac screenings for firefighters and police officers to become law
Yesterday, Gov. Mills announced that she will allow a bill from Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, to become law. LD 784, "An Act to Create a Rebuttable Presumption Related to Specialized Risk Screening for First Responders," will create an additional tool for first responders to obtain health insurance coverage for cancer
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 10 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco:
* * *
Gov. Mills allows Sen. Bailey bill to expand access to preventive cancer and cardiac screenings for firefighters and police officers to become law
Yesterday, Gov. Mills announced that she will allow a bill from Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, to become law. LD 784, "An Act to Create a Rebuttable Presumption Related to Specialized Risk Screening for First Responders," will create an additional tool for first responders to obtain health insurance coverage for cancerand cardiac health risk screenings, expanding access to these screenings for first responders -- including firefighters and police officers.
"As the Senate Chair of the Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee, I have been honored to lead this effort to protect the brave men and women who protect us," said Sen. Bailey. "It is critical that firefighters, first responders and police officers receive coverage for these potentially life-saving health screenings. We all know that the chances for preventing or surviving serious health conditions -- like cancer, heart attacks or strokes -- rely on early diagnoses and regular screenings. Now that the bill has become law, these heroes will have another tool to get coverage for the screenings they deserve."
The new law will establish a rebuttable presumption in the case that a health insurance carrier denies a first responder coverage for a specialized health risk screening. It will not require health coverage for the screening, but it will shift the burden of proof from the first responder to the health insurance carrier in cases when the carrier denied coverage for a specialized preventive health risk screening. The first responder would have to appeal the denial, and, if the appeal failed, they will have the option to file a lawsuit against the carrier.
These appeals and lawsuits are separate from the process for filing a claim with the Workers Compensation Board, which does not provide compensation for preventive health care. Those claims are only for workplace injuries.
During the public hearing, Sen. Bailey shared the story (originally reported by Norah Hogan for WMTW Channel 8 News) of Saco Fire Department Firefighter Lt. Sarai Briggs. She is a mother of three who, knowing the elevated health risks associated with firefighting, was forced to pay out of pocket for the cost of a preventive cancer screening. Even though she had no symptoms, the test detected thyroid cancer. Her decision enabled her doctors to catch the cancer early and she is fortunately now cancer free. The preventative screening likely saved her life.
In that story, WMTW reported that firefighters are regularly exposed to at least 13 chemicals, including arsenic, asbestos and sulfuric acid, which cause cancer. WMTW also cited data from the American Cancer Society, which found that firefighters have a 9% higher risk for cancer compared to the general population. That risk is even higher for certain types of cancer, like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and prostate cancer.
As non-emergency legislation that was held by the Governor, the new law will take effect 90 days after the 132nd Maine State Legislature adjourns the Second Regular Session, which began yesterday.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/gov-mills-allows-sen-bailey-bill-to-expand-access-to-preventive-cancer-and-cardiac-screenings-for-firefighters-and-police-officers-to-become-law/
DelDOT Recaps 2025 Litter Cleanup Efforts
DOVER, Delaware, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release:
* * *
DelDOT Recaps 2025 Litter Cleanup Efforts
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and its partners collected 82,467 bags of trash in 2025 as part of their ongoing effort to Keep DE Litter Free. The work was performed by DelDOT Maintenance & Operations employees, Adopt-A-Highway/Sponsor-A-Highway efforts, the Work a Day Earn a Pay Program (https://www.goodwillde.org/work-a-day-earn-a-pay/), and with help from the Delaware Department of Correction's (DOC) Inmate Work Program.
The Department
... Show Full Article
DOVER, Delaware, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release:
* * *
DelDOT Recaps 2025 Litter Cleanup Efforts
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and its partners collected 82,467 bags of trash in 2025 as part of their ongoing effort to Keep DE Litter Free. The work was performed by DelDOT Maintenance & Operations employees, Adopt-A-Highway/Sponsor-A-Highway efforts, the Work a Day Earn a Pay Program (https://www.goodwillde.org/work-a-day-earn-a-pay/), and with help from the Delaware Department of Correction's (DOC) Inmate Work Program.
The Departmentand its partners also removed 4,977 tires, 5,069 signs, and 196 appliances from the side of roads in Delaware.
"I would like to thank DelDOT and their partners for everything they do to help keep Delaware Beautiful," stated Governor Matt Meyer. "Their efforts are much appreciated, but unfortunately, their work is never done. If we all do our part, together we can truly keep our roadways litter-free," continued Governor Meyer.
"There is never a shortage of litter in the First State, which is sad, because Delaware is such a beautiful place," shared Secretary of Transportation Shante Hastings. "Since the inception of the Keep DE Free initiative, DelDOT, our employees, partners, and volunteers have removed 370,059 bags of trash from our roads. We appreciate the support; however, litter removal is both costly and time-consuming. Please join the effort to help "Keep De Litter Free." Dispose of your trash responsibly," stated Hastings.
To become a part of the Keep DE Litter Free initiative visit governor.delaware.gov or consider sponsoring or adopting a highway.
Through DelDOT's Sponsor-A-Highway (SAH) Program, managed by Litter Removal Service of America, sponsors fund a cleaning crew to remove litter from along a portion of I-95, I-495, I-295, and SR 1. A sign is installed along their sponsored area to recognize their contribution.
Through the Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) Program, individuals, businesses, and organizations agree to sponsor a two-mile section of a State of Delaware-maintained road and hold a minimum of three cleanups per year. As a thank you, DelDOT installs an AAH sign featuring the group's name along their sponsored roadway.
To support either program, please visit DelDOT.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/01/09/deldot-recaps-2025-litter-cleanup-efforts/
DCNR Names New Park Manager for Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 10 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on Jan. 9, 2026:
* * *
DCNR Names New Park Manager for Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the appointment of Jim Eckert as the manager for Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County.
"Jim is a passionate and dedicated public servant who has demonstrated strong leadership skills in his time with DCNR," Dunn said. "We are confident that he will be a great steward
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 10 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on Jan. 9, 2026:
* * *
DCNR Names New Park Manager for Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the appointment of Jim Eckert as the manager for Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County.
"Jim is a passionate and dedicated public servant who has demonstrated strong leadership skills in his time with DCNR," Dunn said. "We are confident that he will be a great stewardof this wonderful park and look forward to seeing his leadership take shape in the future."
Eckert oversees the 923-acre park, which includes the 88-acre Holman Lake and is home to historic Shoaff's Mill. The park is a popular destination for swimming, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and is the site of the annual Little Buffalo Apple Festival in October.
"There is something for everyone here at Little Buffalo - whether you're experiencing the magic of the Apple Festival or taking a hike on one of our trails," Eckert said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to manage this beautiful park, and I welcome visitors from all over the region and state."
Eckert is an Economy, Beaver County, native who enjoys hiking, birdwatching, identifying plants and animals, and spending time with his cat, Leo.
He holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Beaver County Community College, an associate degree in Park and Recreation Management from Butler Community College, and an undergraduate degree in Park and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University.
Eckert credits his love of the outdoors to the time he spent in nature with his family, noting an annual canoe trip on the Clarion River at Cook Forest State Park. In his mid-20s, Eckert made a career shift to DCNR because of that love of nature, taking on a role at Raccoon Creek State Park in 2016 as a semiskilled labor while going back to school. He applied for DCNR's manager trainee program and worked in the agency's Harrisburg office prior to serving as the assistant manager at the Hickory Run State Park Complex in eastern Pennsylvania.
Visit DCNR's website (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/little-buffalo-state-park) for more information about Little Buffalo State Park and check out DCNR's Calendar of Events for the latest happenings on public lands.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/dcnr-names-new-park-manager-for-little-buffalo-state-park-in-per
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Proposed Budget That Refills the State's 'Rainy Day Fund,' Protects Previous Accomplishments, and Makes Historic Investments in Education
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom announces proposed budget that refills the state's "Rainy Day Fund," protects previous accomplishments, and makes historic investments in education
Putting money in state reserves -- to total $23 billion
Funding new reproductive health grants to fight Trump's war on women
Accountability, fraud, and waste prevention
What you need to know: Governor Newsom's 2026-27 budget proposal reflects a balanced yet cautionary approach built on stronger-than-expected
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 10 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Jan. 9, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom announces proposed budget that refills the state's "Rainy Day Fund," protects previous accomplishments, and makes historic investments in education
Putting money in state reserves -- to total $23 billion
Funding new reproductive health grants to fight Trump's war on women
Accountability, fraud, and waste prevention
What you need to know: Governor Newsom's 2026-27 budget proposal reflects a balanced yet cautionary approach built on stronger-than-expectedrevenues and disciplined spending, while refilling the state's "Rainy Day Fund," preserving progress, and making targeted investments in education, affordability measures, public safety, wildfire resilience, and government efficiency.
*
Governor Gavin Newsom today submitted his proposed 2026-27 state budget to the Legislature, outlining a balanced spending plan for the budget year that reflects California's underlying economic strength, higher-than-projected revenues, and total deposits of $23 billion into the state's reserves. The proposal limits new ongoing spending and continues historic progress through investments in universal transitional kindergarten, childcare, health care, and other programs that save working families money.
* * *
This budget reflects both confidence and caution. California's economy is strong, revenues are outperforming expectations, and our fiscal position is stable because of years of prudent fiscal management -- but we remain disciplined and focused on sustaining progress, not overextending it. As we continue our work to place the state on a sound fiscal footing into the future, we must ensure the budget remains balanced beyond the upcoming fiscal year, and I look forward to partnering with the Legislature to do just that. We must continue our prudent fiscal management, funding our reserves, and continuing the investments Californians rely on, from education to public safety, all while preparing for Trump's volatility outside our control. This is what responsible governance looks like.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
A balanced, cautionary budget built on stronger revenues
The Governor's proposal outlines a $348.9 billion balanced budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year supported by stronger-than-anticipated cash receipts, resilient financial markets, and an estimated improved economic outlook. The plan reflects more than $42 billion in additional General Fund revenue over the three-year budget window (2024-25 through 2026-27) compared to last year's enacted budget, resulting in a modest projected deficit of $2.9 billion that is solved. Our solutions did not account for strong December revenues of nearly $3 billion above the previous forecast, that are not yet factored into the budget proposal.
Despite the better-than-expected revenues, this budget reflects a cautionary approach to spending in anticipation of future headwinds. California enters the 2026-27 fiscal year with $23 billion in total reserves, including $14.4 billion in California's Rainy Day Fund. Recognizing the very real risks of out-year deficits, rather than overextending new commitments, the budget prioritizes implementation of existing investments, fiscal restraint, and long-term planning. This is all exacerbated by federal policy changes and global uncertainty, accounting for unpredictable and tumultuous federal policies, tariffs and immigration and their potential impact on inflation, the labor market, investment, and overall demand.
Fiscal discipline, accountability with taxpayer funds
Building on efforts that have blocked fraud and waste, the budget proposes continued programs and measures to strengthen oversight, enforcement, and safeguards to protect taxpayers. It also proposes reductions in state operations spending totaling $1.55 billion, paired with continued savings from eliminating approximately 6,000 long-vacant positions, generating $1.2 billion in savings over two years.
The budget continues California's focus on efficiency, accountability, and cost controls:
* Improving TK-12 governance and accountability: Proposes a new education governance structure by moving the California Department of Education under the Executive Branch and strengthening the State Superintendent's ability to align policy from early childhood through higher education -- improving coordination, clarity, and accountability across the system.
* Housing and homelessness agency framework: The Governor's Reorganization Plan from 2025 establishes a dedicated housing and homelessness agency to oversee the coordination, accountability, and effective program delivery across state programs. The Budget advances that framework by supporting programmatic consolidations, streamlined processes, and stronger alignment among the state's major housing programs to improve efficiency and maximize the impact of available resources.
* Homelessness funding and accountability measures: The state continues to deploy significant resources to prevent homelessness through the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention. This includes a seventh year of this funding to be allocated in 2026-27 totaling $500 million. This funding is contingent on enhanced accountability and performance requirements.
Refilling the Rainy Day Fund
The Governor's budget adds billions to the Rainy Day Fund and aggressively pays down long-term pension obligations, strengthening California's fiscal resilience amid ongoing economic volatility:
* Restocking our reserves: As California's population and economy continue to grow, the budget proposes rebuilding reserves - totaling $23 billion - including a $3 billion deposit into the Rainy Day Fund, which has been a key component of budget resiliency, a buffer against revenue volatility, and an insurance policy that has protected core state programs.
* Addressing our obligations: Mindful of the erratic nature of our state budget revenues, the budget proposes an investment in our long-term future by paying down our pension obligations to the tune of $11.8 billion over the next four years, including $3 billion alone in next year's budget.
Historic spending on students
Education remains the cornerstone of the budget, with record per-pupil funding of $27,418, a 61% increase since 2018, while preserving long-term affordability and fiscal balance. It proposes to continue funding for:
* Pre-K for All: Proposes fully funding the whole new school grade - universal access to free transitional kindergarten for more than 400,000 four-year-olds, with increased access to the California State Preschool Program for two-, three-, and four-year-olds.
* Community Schools: Proposes a $1 billion expansion of the community schools model, a whole-child approach that focuses on school engagement with families and community organizations, shared decision making, and coordination of services. The first cohort of schools that benefited from this investment are showing significant reductions in chronic absenteeism, reduced suspensions, and improved test scores and academic achievement, with the largest gains for historically underserved students.
* Before, After, and Summer School Programs: Proposes fully funding free before, after, and summer school for families.
* Universal School Meals: Proposes funding access to two high-quality, free school meals per school day for every TK-12th grade student.
* Improving Literacy for All Students: Proposes fulling funding the continued implementation of the Golden State Literacy Plan, reaching 2.6 million TK-5 students statewide and supporting more than 800 high-need elementary schools with literacy coaches and specialists. The proposal also maintains annual statewide screening for all K-2nd grade students to identify reading challenges, including dyslexia, and deliver early, evidence-based supports.
* Expanding college and career pathways: Proposes new funding to help high school students earn college credit and explore career pathways earlier -- including expanding dual enrollment and dual credit programs -- while prioritizing these opportunities through existing student support funding.
* L.A. County school fire recovery: Proposes new funding to support LEAs that are continuing to recover from the January 2025 Los Angeles County fires.
* Strengthening higher education and affordability: Proposes historic investments across higher education, $5.3 billion for the University of California, $5.6 billion for the California State University, and $15.4 billion for the California Community Colleges -- each representing nearly 50% growth or more since 2018-19. These supports are paying off: 65% of UC and CSU students graduated without student loan debt in 2023-24; significantly more than in 2018-19.
Supporting communities
* Affordable housing: Proposes new affordable housing through Cap-and-Invest auction proceeds, administered by the Housing Development and Finance Committee as part of the Administration's modernization of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program.
* Reproductive health care grants: Proposes new funding for grants to reproductive health care providers, strengthening access to care statewide.
* Public safety: The Governor's 2026-27 budget proposes $194.6 million in new public safety investments, bringing California's total commitment since 2021-22 to $2.1 billion to strengthen law enforcement, prevent crime, and keep communities safe. These new investments build on strategies that are already delivering results. New data show crime declining nearly across the board statewide, including an 18% drop in homicides, an 18% reduction in robberies, and a 9% decrease in aggravated assaults year over year. Violent crime declined in every California jurisdiction reporting data, with the largest reductions in Oakland (25%) and San Francisco (21%).
Protecting Californians in a hotter, drier world
* Zero-emission vehicle incentives: Proposes a new light-duty ZEV incentive program to help keep clean vehicles affordable and accessible for Californians.
* Safe drinking water: Proposes more support for drinking water and wastewater projects serving small, disadvantaged, and tribal communities -- addressing failing or at-risk systems, unsafe private wells, and connecting unsewered homes to centralized systems.
* Wildfire and forest resilience: Proposes even more critical wildfire and forest resilience efforts, including supporting Cal FIRE aerial firefighting capacity.
Instability in Washington, D.C.
The Trump Administration signed into law significant federal policy changes for Health and Human Services programs that translate into an additional cost of $1.4 billion for California. Of this amount, $1.1 billion are in Medi-Cal, which provides basic health care services for more than 14 million low-income Californians. In addition, this federal change adds nearly $300 million in costs to CalFresh, the state's program providing food assistance for more than 3 million California households.
The full text of the Governor's Budget summary document is available at ebudget.ca.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/09/governor-newsom-announces-proposed-budget-that-refills-the-states-rainy-day-fund-protects-previous-accomplishments-and-makes-historic-investments-in-education/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Settles Case Involving Elopement and Heat Death of a Vulnerable Adult
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Settles Case Involving Elopement and Heat Death of a Vulnerable Adult
Attorney General Kris Mayes has resolved litigation with Brookhaven on 131st Place, LLC ("Brookhaven") and its owners, Levi and Holly Walker, over repeated non-compliance with door-alarm requirements at the assisted living home ("Brookhaven Home") they operated.
"Elopement is a particular concern for our vulnerable adult population in Arizona - especially in the summer," said Attorney General Mayes.
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Settles Case Involving Elopement and Heat Death of a Vulnerable Adult
Attorney General Kris Mayes has resolved litigation with Brookhaven on 131st Place, LLC ("Brookhaven") and its owners, Levi and Holly Walker, over repeated non-compliance with door-alarm requirements at the assisted living home ("Brookhaven Home") they operated.
"Elopement is a particular concern for our vulnerable adult population in Arizona - especially in the summer," said Attorney General Mayes."This judgment is about holding assisted living facility owners - whether large or small - accountable to the mandatory requirements that help prevent such tragic events."
The State's litigation followed the tragic death of Robert J. Pollmann in June 2024. Mr. Pollmann's daughter placed him in Brookhaven Home after searching for a place that could address her father's dementia-related wandering risk. Only a short time after moving in, Mr. Pollmann walked out the front door of the home and sadly was found dead just two days later. Before and on the day of Mr. Pollmann's elopement, the Arizona Department of Health Services had found Brookhaven Home did not have properly functioning door alarms on all egress doors.
The State intervened in the suit filed by Mr. Pollmann's daughter and raised violations of the Adult Protective Services Act and the Consumer Fraud Act. The State alleged Defendants' repeated failure to ensure properly functioning door alarms led to Mr. Pollmann's death.
"Arizona law requires assisted living facilities to have door alarms because they are the best defense against tragedies like the one that occurred at Brookhaven," said Attorney General Mayes. "But door alarms only work if they are properly installed and maintained, and the facility staff are properly trained. I urge all assisted living facilities in Arizona to prioritize these important safety measures, especially those providing memory care. Many dementia patients are prone to wandering, so occasional elopements are inevitable. Alarms save precious time that could mean the difference between life and death."
The judgment, entered in Maricopa County Superior Court, requires the Walkers, who are residents of Iowa, to divest from Brookhaven. The Walkers are enjoined from engaging in any activities or investments involving the provision of care to vulnerable adults in Arizona for five years, after which they must notify the AGO of any application submitted to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
The consent judgement is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=e35fe2d0bd&e=9153ff6c96). A copy of the first amended complaint is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=fa70a16a73&e=9153ff6c96).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-settles-case-involving-elopement-and-heat-death-vulnerable
