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New Mexico Department of Higher Education: Workforce GRO Initiative Trains 8,400 New Mexicans, Boosting Wages and Completion Rates
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Oct. 17 (TNSrpt) -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release:
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Workforce GRO initiative trains 8,400 New Mexicans, boosting wages and completion rates
16 Oct, 2026
SANTA FE -- More than 8,400 New Mexicans took part in workforce training, internships and apprenticeships through the state's Workforce government Results and Opportunity Expendable Trust (GRO) initiative in fiscal year 2026, an increase of more than 2,100 students over the program's first year, according to a new report from the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Oct. 17 (TNSrpt) -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release:
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Workforce GRO initiative trains 8,400 New Mexicans, boosting wages and completion rates
16 Oct, 2026
SANTA FE -- More than 8,400 New Mexicans took part in workforce training, internships and apprenticeships through the state's Workforce government Results and Opportunity Expendable Trust (GRO) initiative in fiscal year 2026, an increase of more than 2,100 students over the program's first year, according to a new report from the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
Nearly 94 percent completed their programs.
Early wage data show participants earning more after completing their training: Commercial driver's license participants at Clovis Community College saw average wage growth of 12.2 percent, and San Juan College participants saw average increases of 16.5 percent. Workforce GRO, a $60 million, three-year investment by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature, funds training for students who may not qualify for traditional financial aid but are pursuing credentials and skills tied to New Mexico's growing economy.
This year, the department distributed $20 million to comprehensive universities, branch community colleges and independent community colleges across the state. Colleges and universities utilized almost 95 percent of the available funding, reflecting both high demand for workforce training pathways and the capacity of New Mexico's higher education institutions to deliver impactful programs at scale.
Workforce GRO supported 841 workforce training programs, internships and apprenticeships and served a total of 8,411 students statewide.
"Workforce GRO is proving exactly what it was designed to do, open doors for New Mexicans and strengthen the state's workforce," said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. "This year's results show that our colleges and universities are delivering programs that meet real employer needs, and students are turning those opportunities into tangible skills and higher earnings."
Since FY24, enrollment has skyrocketed by 56.3%. Completions more than doubled, showing that New Mexicans are taking advantage of the Workforce GRO program.
This year also marked an important advancement in evaluating Workforce GRO's long term outcomes. For the first time, the department incorporated administrative wage matching in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
"Offering classes like Pediatric Advanced Life Support and the Crisis Prevention Institute are extremely beneficial to me as a student," said Dulce Torres a non-credit GRO student at the New Mexico State University Alamogordo training program. "It helped with my conflict resolution, improved my communication, enhances safety, not just for the patients but also provides safety to us as nursing students. This really helped me improve my confidence when attending my clinical rotation in behavioral health."
Across the initial analysis, 67 percent of participants with classifiable wage outcomes experienced wage increases. By the end of calendar year 2026, nine colleges and universities are expected to have wage-matching results for further review by the department.
The fiscal year 2026 report also highlights how higher education institutions across New Mexico are putting Workforce GRO resources to work on their campuses. Colleges and universities detailed programs that respond directly to regional workforce needs, including training in commercial driving, health care and skilled trades that support local employers and strengthen community capacity.
A full overview of outcomes demonstrates clear progress toward the initiative's goals: widening access to training, supporting program completion, strengthening talent pipelines and offering early indicators of employment and wage gains. Additional information on these findings is available in the annual Workforce GRO report.
This year's GRO report is available on the New Mexico Higher Education Department website. To learn more about the department, visit hed.nm.gov.
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REPORT: https://hed.nm.gov/uploads/documents/FY26_Workforce_GRO_Report_10_7.pdf
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Original text here: https://hed.nm.gov/news/workforce-gro-initiative-trains-8400-new-mexicans-boosting-wages-and-completion-rates
N.Y. PSC: Utilities Prepared to Meet Consumer Demand for Electricity and Natural Gas During Winter
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 17 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release:
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October 15, 2026
Utilities Prepared to Meet Consumer Demand for Electricity and Natural Gas During Winter
PSC Will Closely Monitor Natural Gas Supply Throughout the Winter Heating Season
Discounts for Income-Eligible Customers Available
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ALBANY -- The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today announced that it expects the state's utilities will have adequate supplies of natural gas and electricity on hand to meet the demands of residential and commercial customers
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ALBANY, New York, Oct. 17 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release:
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October 15, 2026
Utilities Prepared to Meet Consumer Demand for Electricity and Natural Gas During Winter
PSC Will Closely Monitor Natural Gas Supply Throughout the Winter Heating Season
Discounts for Income-Eligible Customers Available
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ALBANY -- The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today announced that it expects the state's utilities will have adequate supplies of natural gas and electricity on hand to meet the demands of residential and commercial customersin New York State.
Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, "Every year, the Commission takes a close look at how the utilities are preparing to meet New Yorkers' winter heating and energy demands. While consumer costs are expected to remain stable or be slightly lower than last year, the Commission and Department staff will continue to monitor the situation and take action if needs arise."
The gas utilities serving New York State have adequate natural gas supply, delivery capacity, and storage inventory to satisfy current firm customer demands under severe winter design conditions for this winter. Staff cautioned that there is limited capacity in the Capital Region and downstate but that is not expected to impact the ability to meet customer demands over the heating season. Gas companies are also auditing systems, processes and procedures to ensure that retail access marketers have the needed capacity for the winter months and natural gas to reliably supply customers, especially during periods of cold winter weather.
Department staff expects that full-service residential electric commodity bills will be similar to last winter's, on a statewide average. Based on current data indicating lower forecasted commodity prices, coupled with a normal weather forecast and increased delivery rates for several gas utilities for this winter, customers' gas bills are expected to be lower than last year's, on average. Customers may see varying price levels based on their service territory, actual experienced weather, and individual usage.
The Commission also urges eligible New Yorkers to heed Governor Hochul's call to enroll the State Energy Affordability Program (EAP) to receive a monthly discount on their utility bill that can total up to hundreds of dollars a year.
New York State's Energy Affordability Program offers monthly discounts to make typical electric and natural gas utility bills less than six percent of household income. New Yorkers should check eligibility guidelines and apply online via ny.gov/EAP. Some households will be automatically enrolled based on their participation in other programs, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program or the Public Assistance (i.e., Temporary Assistance), which are administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
Customer Outreach: The Department has a proactive program in place to help customers receive the information and assistance they need. The outreach and education efforts include publications in multiple languages about billing and payment options, financial assistance programs and winter preparedness measures to help with winter bills, and the steps to take if customers are faced with heating-related energy emergencies.
Natural Gas and Electric Market Price Forecast: On a statewide average, a residential electric customer using 600 kWh per month is expected to pay about $74 per month for market-priced supply this winter, up 4.6 percent from the same period a year ago, but the actual amount varies by utility. Meanwhile, the average residential customer using 140 therms of natural gas can expect to pay an estimated $241 per month for market-priced natural gas during the winter heating season (November through March), down 3.2 percent from the same period a year ago, but the actual amount will vary widely by region due to the weather and usage. A colder-than-normal winter will cause usage and bills to increase. While market prices are not regulated by the Public Service Commission, the state's investor-owned utilities are required to take steps to reduce the volatility of electric and gas supply prices to their full-service residential customers.
Home Heating Assistance: Department outreach efforts will provide consumers with information on available resources, ways to mitigate energy costs, measures to reduce energy consumption, bill management options, and financial assistance programs. The Department is also working with the state's electric and gas utilities to ensure they maintain strong communication with customers about the utilities' winter preparedness efforts.
Winter-Heating Preparedness: Department staff continues to track weather impacts, pipeline and storage assets, and interruptible customer compliance, and will also work with the utilities and communities to find innovative solutions that increase environmental benefits, while meeting customer expectations for their energy demands. This work includes the aggressive pursuit of efficiency measures, demand response and other solutions to meet growing space and water heating needs.
Electric-System Preparedness: Electric utilities continue to effectively reduce the electric supply price volatility of their full-service residential customers. On average, the electric utilities have hedged approximately 70 percent of their estimated statewide full service electric residential energy needs to protect against unexpected electric market price swings that could occur this winter. As part of the winter assessment, Department staff contacted the major electric-generating facilities in New York City and Long Island to determine if they are continuing to implement safeguards to address the risk factors and preventative measures identified from the 2013/2014 winter season.
Today's report, when available, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 26-M-0316 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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Original text here: https://dps.ny.gov/news/utilities-prepared-meet-consumer-demand-electricity-and-natural-gas-during-winter-1
N.Y. PSC Acts Against Fourteen Energy Companies for Failing to Abide by Rules
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 17 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release:
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October 15, 2026
PSC Acts Against Fourteen Energy Companies for Failing to Abide by Rules
Commission Staff Identifies Several Regulatory Violations by Energy Companies
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ALBANY -- The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today revoked the eligibility of API Energy, LLC to operate as an energy services company (ESCO) in New York State and Prime Time and PTM Marketing & Consulting to serve as energy brokers or energy consultants. The Commission also revoked the
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 17 -- The New York State Public Service Commission issued the following news release:
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October 15, 2026
PSC Acts Against Fourteen Energy Companies for Failing to Abide by Rules
Commission Staff Identifies Several Regulatory Violations by Energy Companies
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ALBANY -- The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today revoked the eligibility of API Energy, LLC to operate as an energy services company (ESCO) in New York State and Prime Time and PTM Marketing & Consulting to serve as energy brokers or energy consultants. The Commission also revoked theeligibility of eleven distributed energy resource (DER) suppliers to operate in New York State for violating the Commission's Uniform Business Practices (UBP) rules. These companies failed to comply with applicable Commission orders to maintain eligibility to operate in New York State, as well as several provisions of the Commission's Uniform Business Practices that are in place to ensure strong consumer protection requirements. These violations include failure to submit annual required compliance filings, using unregistered subcontractors for customer enrollments, and conducting improper customer enrollments or attempted enrollments unauthorized by the customer. The Commission also directed several providers to address unresolved consumer complaints.
Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, "The Public Service Commission is laser focused on protecting the public, enforcing the rules, and demanding accountability by putting people, not private interests, first. To conduct business in New York, private energy companies must comply with all applicable orders from this Commission. If companies fail to comply, we will take swift action."
If a consumer's ESCO is no longer allowed to do business in New York State, the consumer's service reverts back to the local utility, or the consumer can select another energy provider. DER suppliers that are currently serving customers but are no longer allowed to do business in New York State must submit plans detailing how customer agreements will be honored.
The UBP and the Uniform Business Practices for Distributed Energy Resource Suppliers (UBP-DERS) provide for consistent business procedures for ESCOs, energy brokers, energy consultants, DER suppliers, and electric and natural gas utilities across the state. As the competitive retail energy market has evolved in New York, the UBP and UBP-DERS have been revisited and modified to reflect changes in the market while continuing to provide consumer protections, streamlined business transactions and communications protocols between ESCOs, DER suppliers and utilities.
In addition to revoking API Energy's ability to operate as an ESCO and Prime Time's and PTM Marketing & Consulting's ability to operate as an energy broker or energy consultant in New York, the Commission revoked the following businesses' abilities to operate as DER suppliers in New York:
* AMS Construction Corp
* Distributed Generation Associates
* Hifadhi Clean Energy LLC
* IC Energy Consulting
* JG Renovations, LLC
* JRG Solar
* Sunnova Energy Corporation
* No Shorts Electric
* PosiGen Developer LLC
* Solitude Solar, LLC
* Rural Generation and Wind
In addition to no longer being able to operate in New York, the following DER providers must show how they intend to honor obligations to existing customers.
* AMS Construction Corp
* IC Energy Consulting
* Sunnova Energy Corporation
* PosiGen Developer LLC
An ESCO is a company eligible to sell electricity and/or natural gas to end-use customers using utility transmission or distribution systems and may also perform other retail service functions. An energy broker is an entity that assumes the contractual and legal responsibility for the sale of electric and/or natural gas to end-use customers but does not take title to any of the electricity or natural gas sold. An energy consultant is any person, firm, association, or corporation who acts as a broker in soliciting, negotiating, or advising any electric or natural gas contract, or acts as an agent in accepting any electric or natural gas contract on behalf of an ESCO. A DER supplier is a company that provides access to small-scale, modular energy generation and storage technology that is usually located near where electricity is used, like a solar farm, rooftop solar panels or battery storage, and can be connected to the power grid to provide electricity locally, rather than relying solely on large, centralized power plants.
Today's decisions may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's website at https://dps.ny.gov and entering Case Numbers 26-M-0426 (API Energy, LLC), 26-M-0519 (PTM Marketing & Consulting Inc.), 26-E-0522 (Prime Time), 26-E-0413 (AMS Construction Corp.), 26-E-0414 (Distributed Generation Associates), 26-E-0415 (Hifadhi Clean Energy LLC), 26-E-0416 (IC Energy Consulting, Inc.), 26-E-0417 (JG Renovations, LLC), 26-E-0418 (JRG Solar, LLC), 26-E-0423 (Sunnova Energy Corporation), 26-E-0419 (No Shorts Electric), 26-E-0420 (PosiGen Developer, LLC ), 26-E-0422 (Solitude Solar, LLC ) or 26-E-0421 (Rural Generation and Wind) in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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Original text here: https://dps.ny.gov/news/psc-acts-against-fourteen-energy-companies-failing-abide-rules
Hawaii State Education Dept.: Direct2UH Expands to All 10 UH Campuses, Reaches More Hawaii Seniors
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Oct. 17 -- The Hawaii State Department of Education issued the following news:
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Direct2UH expands to all 10 UH campuses, reaches more Hawaii seniors
Oct 15, 2026
The University of Hawaii and Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) are expanding Direct2UH in its second year, giving Hawaii public high school seniors a streamlined pathway to all 10 UH campuses and extending the initiative to students at participating public charter schools for the first time.
UH Manoa has joined UH Hilo, UH West Oahu and the seven UH Community Colleges (Hawaii CC, Honolulu CC, Kapiolani
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Oct. 17 -- The Hawaii State Department of Education issued the following news:
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Direct2UH expands to all 10 UH campuses, reaches more Hawaii seniors
Oct 15, 2026
The University of Hawaii and Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) are expanding Direct2UH in its second year, giving Hawaii public high school seniors a streamlined pathway to all 10 UH campuses and extending the initiative to students at participating public charter schools for the first time.
UH Manoa has joined UH Hilo, UH West Oahu and the seven UH Community Colleges (Hawaii CC, Honolulu CC, KapiolaniCC, Kauai CC, Leeward CC, UH Maui College and Windward CC) in Direct2UH for the Class of 2027. Thirteen public charter schools are also eligible this year, further expanding the initiative's reach.
Direct2UH removes traditional application barriers by providing eligible seniors direct admission to one or more UH campuses based on their grade point average, with no application fee.
"Direct2UH sends a very clear message to Hawaii's students: There is a place for you at the University of Hawaii," UH President Wendy Hensel said. "With all 10 campuses now participating, students have access to the full range of opportunities UH offers, from workforce training and two-year degrees to four-year programs and beyond. We want every public high school senior to know that their hard work has paid off, they have earned this opportunity and they can build an extraordinary future right here in Hawaii."
Hensel and HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi officially kicked off the second year of Direct2UH on October 15 at Roosevelt High School, where approximately 245 seniors gathered in the school auditorium. Students received Direct2UH acceptance letters signed by Hensel and Hayashi welcoming them to the UH ohana.
"Direct2UH strengthens the partnership between our public schools and the University of Hawaii, making the transition from high school to college more accessible for our students," Superintendent Hayashi said. "Our students work hard throughout their K-12 journey, and this initiative recognizes their accomplishments while helping them take the next step toward their goals. By creating clearer pathways to higher education, we're helping more students build on their strengths, pursue their aspirations and prepare for successful futures in Hawaii."
Direct2UH is part of a broader effort to make higher education more accessible and affordable for Hawaii families. With strong support for public higher education from state lawmakers and leaders, UH offers affordable pathways to degrees and careers. About 90% of UH Community College graduates and 65% of graduates from UH's four-year campuses complete their degrees without student loan debt.
Direct2UH forms for fall 2027 are available now, with a May 1, 2027 deadline. For eligibility, participating charter schools and additional information on how to enroll, visit Direct2UH.com.
How Direct2UH works
For the Class of 2027:
* 3.20 GPA or higher: Students qualify for UH Manoa, UH Hilo, UH West Oahu and all seven UH Community Colleges.
* 2.70-3.19 GPA: Students qualify for UH Hilo, UH West Oahu and all seven UH Community Colleges.
* 2.69 GPA or below: Students qualify for all seven UH Community Colleges.
Students visit Direct2UH.com, verify their HIDOE student ID, choose an eligible campus and complete the Direct2UH form to secure their spot. There is no application fee. Students must remain on track to graduate from high school, and admission is subject to verification of official transcripts and eligibility requirements.
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Original text here: https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2026-direct2uh/
EGLE Announces 2026 Michigan Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program to Reduce Diesel Emissions and Support Deployment of Zero-Emission Refuse Fleets
LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 17 -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued the following news release:
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EGLE announces 2026 Michigan Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program to reduce diesel emissions and support deployment of zero-emission refuse fleets
October 15, 2026
Up to $4.29 million available to help communities replace aging diesel refuse trucks with modern, zero-emission battery electric refuse vehicles
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LANSING, Michigan -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is announcing the launch of the 2026 Michigan Clean Heavy-Duty
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 17 -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued the following news release:
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EGLE announces 2026 Michigan Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program to reduce diesel emissions and support deployment of zero-emission refuse fleets
October 15, 2026
Up to $4.29 million available to help communities replace aging diesel refuse trucks with modern, zero-emission battery electric refuse vehicles
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LANSING, Michigan -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is announcing the launch of the 2026 Michigan Clean Heavy-DutyVehicle (CHDV) Program, a new grant opportunity that will provide funding to replace eligible Class 6 (19,501-26,000 pounds) and Class 7 (26,001-33,000 pounds) diesel refuse vehicles with new, zero-emission battery electric refuse vehicles and associated charging equipment.
The program is designed to reduce diesel emissions, improve air quality, protect public health, and support the deployment of advanced heavy-duty vehicle technologies while helping fleets modernize their operations.
Diesel refuse and recycling trucks are among the largest contributors of localized air pollution because they operate daily in neighborhoods, often at low speeds and close to homes, schools, and businesses. Replacing these vehicles with newer all-electric models can significantly reduce harmful exhaust emissions, lower noise, and improve quality of life for Michigan residents.
The program will provide funding to replace large, heavy-duty diesel trucks commonly used for trash collection, recycling, composting, and food waste recovery with zero-emission certified vehicles. The program also supports workforce development and training needed for the successful deployment and operation of the new vehicles. Both public and private entities physically located in Michigan are eligible to apply.
"This program is an important step toward cleaner air and healthier communities," said EGLE Director Phillip D. Roos. "By reducing diesel exhaust from vehicles that operate directly in our neighborhoods, we can deliver meaningful public health benefits to communities that need it most while advancing Michigan's clean energy future."
Program focus and priorities
The CHDV Program prioritizes projects operating in designated ozone nonattainment or maintenance areas across the state that struggle to meet federal air quality standards, as well as in counties with a high asthma burden. Additional priority will be given to refuse truck replacements operating in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, within the Detroit Metropolitan Area, where long-standing environmental and public health challenges are most acute.
All funded projects must replace existing diesel vehicles with zero-emission alternatives and demonstrate long-term operational use at open and actively operating facilities.
Funding details
EGLE expects up to $4.29 million in funding will be made available through this competitive grant program. Individual awards are anticipated to range from $100,000 to $1 million, with funding capped at $260,000 per vehicle. Eligible costs include vehicle purchase, charging infrastructure, and workforce development and training.
Grant recipients must provide a minimum 50% cost match of total project costs for new battery electric refuse vehicles. All grant awards will be issued on a reimbursement basis, requiring grantees to pay project costs upfront and submit proper documentation for reimbursement.
All funds must be expended by Dec. 31, 2028. Projects should demonstrate readiness to complete vehicle replacement and charging infrastructure installation within the grant period.
Application timeline and requirements
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling, competitive basis until all funding is exhausted. Project start dates will be tied to the effective date of the grant agreement, and the deadline for submitting payment requests is Dec. 15, 2028.
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their application as early as possible by verifying project eligibility, securing vehicle and infrastructure quotes, assembling project teams, and developing site layouts, schedules, and budgets.
In a related move, EGLE launched the Michigan Electric Fleet Network in September to bring together fleets operating electric vehicles with fleets considering the technology. Members will meet regularly to compare notes and provide input on state programs, policies, and infrastructure planning that affect fleet electrification.
Supporting Michigan's climate goals
The 2026 Michigan CHDV Program supports the MI Healthy Climate Plan and Michigan's broader decarbonization goals by reducing diesel emissions, lowering greenhouse gas output, and accelerating the transition to clean transportation technologies.
Program materials, including the CHDV Request for Proposals, Online Application Form, and Eligibility Statement, are available on the CHDV Program webpage.
For more information or to address questions about the CHDV Program or Michigan Electric Fleet Network, contact EGLE's team at EGLE-MMD-CHDV@Michigan.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2026/10/15/clean-heavy-duty-vehicle-program
Attorney General Mayes Leads Coalition of Attorneys General Urging Congress to Pass Epstein Files Transparency Act II
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 17 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
Attorney General Mayes Leads Coalition of Attorneys General Urging Congress to Pass Epstein Files Transparency Act II
October 15, 2026
PHOENIX--Attorney General Kris Mayes today led a coalition of attorneys general today in sending a letter to Congressional leadership urging swift passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II (EFTA II), legislation that would give state attorneys general and survivors the power to enforce the transparency Congress already demanded.
The letter, addressed to
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 17 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
Attorney General Mayes Leads Coalition of Attorneys General Urging Congress to Pass Epstein Files Transparency Act II
October 15, 2026
PHOENIX--Attorney General Kris Mayes today led a coalition of attorneys general today in sending a letter to Congressional leadership urging swift passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act II (EFTA II), legislation that would give state attorneys general and survivors the power to enforce the transparency Congress already demanded.
The letter, addressed toSpeaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, supports H.R. 9694 and its Senate companion, S. 5005.
Congress passed the original Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA I), which took effect November 19, 2025 (Public Law 119-38), to give survivors and the public access to the full investigative record of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. The law required the U.S. Department of Justice to make the files publicly available by December 19, 2025. Nearly a year later, the Department has not met that obligation. In Phang v. Blanche, a federal court in the District of Columbia noted that the Attorney General conceded he is in violation of the Act.
"Nearly a year after the deadline set by Congress, the Department of Justice is still withholding millions of documents while exposing the personal information of victims it was supposed to protect. That is unacceptable," said Attorney General Mayes. "The Epstein Files Transparency Act II gives state attorneys general and survivors the tools to enforce the law Congress already passed, so that no federal agency is above it. Justice and accountability are not partisan issues, and I urge Congress to act swiftly."
According to the letter, DOJ released only a limited portion of the files on the December 19, 2025 deadline, and later disclosures also fell short. Millions of documents remain withheld, often on the basis of legal privilege. At the same time, a Wall Street Journal review found that the personal information of at least 43 victims was exposed in the files that were released, despite the protections written into EFTA I.
In the letter, the attorneys general emphasize that the shortfall affects states directly. State law enforcement and prosecutors need full access to unredacted investigative records, including relevant FBI 302 reports, to investigate and pursue matters within their jurisdictions. Survivors, meanwhile, continue to be denied closure and control over their own records.
What EFTA II would do
* Create an expedited right of action. State attorneys general, authorized state officials, victims, and members of Congress would have explicit standing to sue the U.S. Attorney General in federal court for unlawfully withholding, delaying, or heavily redacting Epstein-related records.
* Protect survivor access. Victims would be guaranteed the right to access unredacted records about themselves and the harms they suffered.
* Eliminate evasions. DOJ would be barred from invoking common law privileges, such as the deliberative process privilege, to avoid the disclosure requirements Congress enacted.
* Enforce accountability. Federal officials who knowingly conceal, destroy, or improperly withhold mandated files would be subject to existing federal penalties.
The letter also notes that the pursuit of justice and public accountability transcends partisanship, and urges Congress to act so that no federal agency places itself above the law.
Joining the letter co-led by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford are the attorneys general from California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Oregon, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-leads-coalition-attorneys-general-urging-congress-pass-epstein
Attorney General Jones Puts Character.AI on Notice With Bankruptcy Court Filing
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jones Puts Character.AI on Notice with Bankruptcy Court Filing
Emphasizes Protections for Virginia Consumers After Engaging in a Yearslong Investigation
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RICHMOND, Va. - Attorney General Jay Jones announced that Virginia is joining a coalition of state attorneys general in filing a notice in the bankruptcy proceedings of Character Technologies, Inc., the company behind the popular chatbot company Character.AI. The court filing identifies serious concerns about the
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jones Puts Character.AI on Notice with Bankruptcy Court Filing
Emphasizes Protections for Virginia Consumers After Engaging in a Yearslong Investigation
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RICHMOND, Va. - Attorney General Jay Jones announced that Virginia is joining a coalition of state attorneys general in filing a notice in the bankruptcy proceedings of Character Technologies, Inc., the company behind the popular chatbot company Character.AI. The court filing identifies serious concerns about thecompany's safety and privacy practices and calls for protections for children and consumers in any sale of the company's business or assets.
"Character.AI's chatbots raised serious concerns about health and safety, including chatbots which were not only allowed on the platform, but promoted to users, as 'therapists' and 'psychologists' despite serious risks these chatbots posed. Bankruptcy cannot be an escape hatch from responsibility, and we are working with Attorneys General across the country to ensure accountability," said Attorney General Jones.
Character.AI is an artificial intelligence chatbot platform that allows users to interact with AI-powered chatbot "characters" designed to mimic human conversation and relationships. These chatbot characters include fictional and celebrity personas, children's cartoon characters, and others that present themselves as psychologists, therapists, and doctors. Through chats with these characters, the company has collected sensitive consumer data, including private conversations about users' mental health, relationships, and emotional struggles.
Several states, including Virginia, began investigating Character.AI following a 2024 wrongful death lawsuit alleging that its chatbots fostered an emotionally and sexually exploitative relationship with a child, reinforced his suicidal thoughts, and contributed to his death by suicide. The states' investigation identified potential consumer protection and privacy violations.
The states' filing highlights the significant volume of sensitive consumer information held by Character.AI, including private chatbot conversations involving children and adults, and identifies privacy and safety protections that should be addressed in any sale or transfer of the company's business or assets.
Although Character.AI has recently voluntarily restricted minors' access to certain chatbot features, the states have raised concerns that these measures are not compulsory, incomplete, and could be circumvented or reversed by a future purchaser.
Virginia and the other states intend to remain actively engaged in the bankruptcy proceedings to protect consumers and address outstanding regulatory concerns. The states have reserved their rights to challenge any proposed sale or bankruptcy plan and to seek additional protections for consumers' personal information.
Joining Attorney General Jones on the court filing are the attorneys general of Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
October 15, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3140-attorney-general-jones-puts-character-ai-on-notice-with-bankruptcy-court-filing
