States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wyo. Gov. Gordon Issues Joint Statement With Upper Basin Governors
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Feb. 14 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following joint statement on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Governor Mark Gordon Issues Joint Statement with Upper Basin Governors
Today, Governors Jared Polis, Mark Gordon, Michelle Lujan Grisham and Spencer Cox released a statement on the ongoing Colorado River negotiations.
"We as Upper Basin states remain committed to working to reach a solution that works for each of the seven states, and all who rely on the Colorado River. We have come together in good faith throughout this process, and are putting every tool on the table available
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Feb. 14 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following joint statement on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Governor Mark Gordon Issues Joint Statement with Upper Basin Governors
Today, Governors Jared Polis, Mark Gordon, Michelle Lujan Grisham and Spencer Cox released a statement on the ongoing Colorado River negotiations.
"We as Upper Basin states remain committed to working to reach a solution that works for each of the seven states, and all who rely on the Colorado River. We have come together in good faith throughout this process, and are putting every tool on the table availableto us, including releases from our upstream reservoirs, a meaningful voluntary conservation both now and in the future, and continued strict self-regulation of water supplies.
Upper Basin water users live within the means of the River by adapting our uses every year based on available supplies. We continue pursuing a seven-state consensus, which would provide greater opportunity to pursue federal funding supporting conservation efforts and innovative water-saving technologies across the Basin. Together we can ensure a sustainable future for the river on which we all depend. We can and we must rise to this occasion."
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-mark-gordon-issues-joint-statement-with-upper-basin-governors
Okla. Attorney General's Multi-County Grand Jury Indicts Three on Human Trafficking Charges
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 14 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Attorney General's Multi-County Grand Jury indicts three on human trafficking charges
Three individuals are facing felony charges in two separate human trafficking cases after Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Multi-County Grand Jury indicted them on multiple counts this week. These indictments follow investigations by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) Human Trafficking Unit and the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) Vice Unit.
Charquion Pope,
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 14 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Attorney General's Multi-County Grand Jury indicts three on human trafficking charges
Three individuals are facing felony charges in two separate human trafficking cases after Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Multi-County Grand Jury indicted them on multiple counts this week. These indictments follow investigations by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) Human Trafficking Unit and the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) Vice Unit.
Charquion Pope,an inmate at Mack Alford Correctional Center, is accused of orchestrating a human trafficking operation from inside prison walls.
Beginning in February 2025, the OBN Human Trafficking Unit launched an investigation into Pope after learning he maintained multiple social media accounts identifying himself as a "pimp" and listing his phone number in commercial sex advertisements. During a Victim Recovery Operation conducted that same month, agents identified communications between Pope and a victim indicating that he was advertising the victim for commercial sex, communicating with commercial sex buyers, scheduling sex acts and collecting money from the victim.
Agents were able to corroborate key details of the investigation with documentation from the Department of Corrections. Allegedly, Pope operated the trafficking enterprise using multiple contraband cell phones while incarcerated.
In a separate case, Alaze Grant and Danasia Turner are accused of trafficking a victim for commercial sex in Oklahoma City.
In early January 2026, OCPD Vice officers responded to a residence where they encountered a victim along with Grant and Turner. Allegedly, Grant and Turner advertised the victim for commercial sex, scheduled sex appointments, coerced the victim into engaging in commercial sex acts and collected money from customers.
"Human trafficking is exploitation in its most calculated and predatory form," Drummond said. "Whether operating from a prison cell or a neighborhood residence, those who manipulate and profit from vulnerable individuals will be aggressively pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Every person arrested or charged is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.
Read the Indictment of Charquion Pope (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/february/Pope%20Indictment_Redacted.pdf)
Read the Indictment of Alaze Grant and Danasia Turner 9https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/february/Grant%20and%20Turner%20Indictment_Redacted.pdf)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/february/attorney-generals-multi-county-grand-jury-indicts-three-on-human-trafficking-charges.html
N.M. Taxation & Revenue Dept.: House Passes Tax Code Cleanup Bill
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Feb. 14 -- The New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue issued the following news release on Feb. 12, 2026:
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House passes tax code cleanup bill
The New Mexico House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 291 on Thursday, sending the tax code cleanup bill to the Senate.
The bill, which passed on a 59-8 vote, clarifies various tax policies and streamlines the tax code. The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Derrick Lente and Sarah Silva, addresses loopholes in the film tax credit and clarifies the technology jobs and research and development tax credit and the
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Feb. 14 -- The New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue issued the following news release on Feb. 12, 2026:
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House passes tax code cleanup bill
The New Mexico House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 291 on Thursday, sending the tax code cleanup bill to the Senate.
The bill, which passed on a 59-8 vote, clarifies various tax policies and streamlines the tax code. The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Derrick Lente and Sarah Silva, addresses loopholes in the film tax credit and clarifies the technology jobs and research and development tax credit and thetobacco products tax, ensuring these tax programs work as intended.
"The Taxation and Revenue Department is happy to see this bill continue through the legislative process," said Stephanie Schardin Clarke, Taxation and Revenue Secretary. "This bill ensures New Mexico taxpayer processes are consistent, fair and logical."
The bill also includes a provision allowing the department to waive interest when taxpayers are granted a tax deadline extension, such as in the case of a natural disaster. Currently, interest continues to accrue despite waived penalties. This change ensures taxpayers are not unnecessarily fined for seeking extensions due to uncontrollable circumstances.
Other technical changes include allowing delinquent taxpayers in compliance with Tax & Rev installment agreements - such as a business working to pay off its tax debts - to renew licenses or permits issued by other agencies and allowing the department, including its Motor Vehicle Division, to round tax amounts due to the nearest five cents in accordance with the federal elimination of the penny.
"I am proud to sponsor this year's tax code cleanup bill," said bill sponsor Rep. Derrick Lente, Chairman of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. "We need to do everything we can to make New Mexico's tax code clear and fair."
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The Taxation and Revenue Department serves the State of New Mexico by providing fair and efficient tax and motor vehicle services. It administers more than 38 tax programs and distributes revenue to the State and to local and tribal governments throughout New Mexico.
The Department strives to reduce taxpayer burden through clearer communication, statutes, regulations, forms, correspondence and instructions.
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Original text here: https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20260212_House-passes-tax-code-cleanup-bill.pdf
N.M. Environment Dept. Reaches Settlement With NM Highlands University
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Feb. 14 -- The New Mexico Department of Environment issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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NMED reaches settlement with NM Highlands University
University to provide hazardous waste education, pay penalties
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The New Mexico Environment Department reached a settlement on February 4, 2026, with New Mexico Highlands University after inspectors discovered corroded chemical containers and hazardous waste violations that posed risks to students and staff at the school's Ivan Hilton Science Building.
NMED received a complaint in September 2024 alleging that
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Feb. 14 -- The New Mexico Department of Environment issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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NMED reaches settlement with NM Highlands University
University to provide hazardous waste education, pay penalties
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The New Mexico Environment Department reached a settlement on February 4, 2026, with New Mexico Highlands University after inspectors discovered corroded chemical containers and hazardous waste violations that posed risks to students and staff at the school's Ivan Hilton Science Building.
NMED received a complaint in September 2024 alleging thatNew Mexico Highlands University was mismanaging hazardous waste at the Ivan Hilton Science Building on campus.
When NMED conducted an inspection, inspectors observed several improperly stored containers of outdated chemicals, some of which had deteriorated to the point that chemicals had corroded through their containers.
These violations included failure to properly track and characterize hazardous waste, exceeding allowable storage time limits, and other deficiencies. A significant contributing factor to the violations was the lack of appropriate hazardous waste management training for personnel, which itself constituted a regulatory violation.
NMED worked closely with the university to address the immediate safety risks and remediate the Ivan Hilton Science Building. This effort included coordination with the Las Vegas Fire Department to safely detonate several unstable chemical containers at an approved off-site location. NMED also provided guidance to help the university redevelop its hazardous waste management program, including conducting a training seminar for Highlands staff.
"When hazardous waste is not properly managed, it puts students, staff, first responders, and the surrounding community at risk," said Dr. Kyle Staggs, Bureau Chief of NMED's Resource Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau. "This settlement reflects both the seriousness of the violations and NMED's commitment to ensuring institutions have the tools, training, and accountability needed to protect public health and the environment."
Under the settlement, the university will pay $391,061 in penalties. In addition, the university will conduct outreach on New Mexico Environment Department's behalf with New Mexico high schools to provide consultation and education on proper hazardous waste management practices for schools.
New Mexico Highlands University has since addressed most violations and implemented corrective actions, including closing the Ivan Hilton Science Building, completing hazardous waste cleanup and disposal, establishing new safety positions, updating procedures and centralizing control of chemical inventory and hazardous waste management.
This settlement should serve as a clear warning that hazardous waste violations in schools will be taken seriously and met with strong enforcement. Moving forward, NMED will closely oversee compliance efforts and follow up on every complaint or whistleblower report regarding hazardous materials or suspected spills to protect students, staff, and communities.
The full settlement can be found here: https://bit.ly/4kxxwvt
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Original text here: https://cloud.env.nm.gov/resources/_translator.php/ODFjNDVlOWNlODU0M2I2NGNjMjBmMmM1OV8yMTc5Mjc~.pdf
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Coalition Opposing Rollback of Crucial Fair Housing Regulations
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 14 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition Opposing Rollback of Crucial Fair Housing Regulations
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general in sending a comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) opposing an unlawful attempt to rollback regulations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
The FHA prohibits discrimination based on the effects of a housing policy, even if the intent of the policy was not to discriminate.
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 14 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition Opposing Rollback of Crucial Fair Housing Regulations
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general in sending a comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) opposing an unlawful attempt to rollback regulations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
The FHA prohibits discrimination based on the effects of a housing policy, even if the intent of the policy was not to discriminate.HUD's proposed rule change would remove all mentions of liability under the FHA for discrimination that results from the effects of an action.
In their letter, Attorney General Brown and the coalition assert that discrimination and segregation in housing persist in the country and disproportionately harm people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, individuals with disabilities, and other historically marginalized groups. The coalition is urging HUD to keep the current rule in place to ensure greater equality of opportunity in housing.
The attorneys general argue that discriminatory effects liability is a critical tool for HUD and states to enforce the FHA and state laws and to protect residents against arbitrary and unnecessary practices that limit access to housing. States have used discriminatory effects claims to challenge many types of seemingly neutral policies that can have a discriminatory effect, such as zoning ordinances, occupancy restrictions, no-pet policies, and English-only policies. These enforcement actions can be used to dismantle barriers to housing based on race, ethnicity, sex, familial status and disability.
Attorney General Brown and the attorneys general argue that removal of these regulations would increase burdens on state agencies to provide information about rights and responsibilities. It would also send a false message that certain forms of unlawful discrimination are now acceptable, even though they remain prohibited under the law.
The attorneys general assert that the proposed rule change would be unlawful because HUD failed to provide a justification for removing the longstanding regulations and because the existing rule accurately reflects federal law. They also argue HUD failed to consider that the existing rule benefits the public by providing a consistent, nationwide resource that clearly explains what conduct violates the FHA and what the legal standard is for making discrimination claims and defending against them.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the comments are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Coalition-Opposing-Rollback-of-Crucial-Fair-Housing-Regulations.aspx
Illinois Supreme Court Assigns Hon. Thaddeus L. Wilson to First District Appellate Court
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Feb. 14 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Illinois Supreme Court Assigns Hon. Thaddeus L. Wilson to First District Appellate Court
The Illinois Supreme Court announced today the assignment of Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson to the First District Appellate Court. Justice Wilson was sworn in before an overflow crowd on February 6, 2026. He was assigned to fill the vacancy created by Justice Sanjay T. Tailor's appointment to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Justice Wilson's career blends judicial excellence,
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Feb. 14 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Illinois Supreme Court Assigns Hon. Thaddeus L. Wilson to First District Appellate Court
The Illinois Supreme Court announced today the assignment of Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson to the First District Appellate Court. Justice Wilson was sworn in before an overflow crowd on February 6, 2026. He was assigned to fill the vacancy created by Justice Sanjay T. Tailor's appointment to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Justice Wilson's career blends judicial excellence,technological innovation, and a deep commitment to public service. He was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2007 and later elected and retained. His judicial experience includes service in the Chancery Division, the Criminal Division--where he served as Supervising Judge--and the First Municipal District, reflecting a breadth of knowledge across complex areas of the law.
Justice Wilson earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, double majoring in Management Information Systems and Philosophy, before moving to Chicago to begin his career as a computer programmer and systems analyst. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law, launching a distinguished legal career that included civil rights litigation, criminal defense, bankruptcy, foreclosure, election law, and appellate advocacy.
Before joining the judiciary, Justice Wilson practiced with the Law Office of Brookins & Wilson, represented clients before state and federal courts, served as an arbitrator, and served as a hearing officer for the Chicago Board of Elections.
Justice Wilson has been appointed to numerous statewide committees shaping the future of Illinois courts. An ASTAR Fellow in Advanced Science and Technology, he is known for his mastery of complex scientific and technical issues and for championing modernization across the judiciary. His courtroom has been the setting for several high profile cases, including a terrorism trial related to the 2012 NATO Summit, Cook County's first fully televised gavel to gavel trial, and a landmark 2025 environmental enforcement case.
A dedicated educator, Justice Wilson has taught Criminal Procedure and Voting Rights & Election Law at the former John Marshall Law School (now UIC School of Law) and has presented nationally on ethics, technology, constitutional law, and digital evidence. As president of the Illinois Judicial Council, he championed judicial excellence, community service, and opportunities for future legal leaders.
As he begins his journey on the Illinois Appellate Court, Justice Wilson continues to serve with vision, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice for all. Justice Wilson believes that:
"The law is at its best when it evolves with the world it governs. At every stage, my goal has remained the same: to help build a justice system that is fairer, smarter, more transparent, and better prepared for the world ahead. If you're working at the intersection of law, technology, judicial education, or court innovation, I'm always open to connecting and collaborating".
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Original text here: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/d067e85d-d306-4ee9-b687-e2b8c743062a/Illinois%20Supreme%20Court%20Assigns%20Hon.%20Thaddeus%20L.%20Wilson%20To%20First%20District%20Appellate%20Court.pdf
House and Senate Republicans are Unified on Addressing Longstanding Issues at the Arizona State Land Department
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 14 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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House and Senate Republicans are Unified on Addressing Longstanding Issues at the Arizona State Land Department
16 bills pass House special hearing; HB 2426 adopted onto HB 2150 continuation measure
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The Arizona House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee on Thursday held a special hearing on the Arizona State Land Department and legislation related to its continuation, administration, and siting of utility-scale wind and solar energy projects near residential communities.
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 14 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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House and Senate Republicans are Unified on Addressing Longstanding Issues at the Arizona State Land Department
16 bills pass House special hearing; HB 2426 adopted onto HB 2150 continuation measure
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The Arizona House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee on Thursday held a special hearing on the Arizona State Land Department and legislation related to its continuation, administration, and siting of utility-scale wind and solar energy projects near residential communities.All 16 bills on the agenda passed. HB 2426 was adopted as an amendment to HB 2150, the continuation measure for the Department.
Arizona's State Land Department was created by the Arizona State Legislature with a clear statutory mandate: ensure the highest and best use of Arizona's 9.2 million acres of state trust land to maximize revenue for the 13 state trust beneficiaries, including K-12 schools.
After years of audits, multiple legislative hearings, and a scoring recommendation from the Joint Committee of Reference, it's clear the Department's problems are longstanding and cultural. The Department still lacks consistent long-term planning. Applications remain pending without final written decisions. Regulatory practices continue without written processes and procedures. The result is lost revenue, mission creep, due process violations, and added strain on Arizona's housing supply at a time when land scarcity is already driving up costs.
Effective Department administration and land performance directly affect housing affordability and education funding. The Department can address both immediately by selling and leasing more land, thereby making new land available for houses and generating long-term revenue for public education without raising taxes, but recent reports have demonstrated the Department is actively withholding land from public auction while intentionally canceling leases without securing subsequent tenants. Meanwhile, it appears the Hobbs Administration is actively devaluing land near urban areas to prioritize the development of utility-scale solar near residential communities.
The sunset review and continuation process gives the Legislature leverage to demand measurable improvements and accountability. During the special hearing, members questioned the Governor's Land Commissioner on basic Department functions and processes. In response to many of those questions, the Commissioner repeatedly had no answer or could not answer, including on core Department operations and on the existence of documents the Auditor General said the Department claimed were "privileged" during a special audit in 2024. After three years of leading a major state agency, the Land Commissioner should be able to explain its basic internal processes and procedures and be knowledgeable of the documents it claimed were privileged.
"The State Land Department is not a constitutional agency," said House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee Chairman Gail Griffin. "The Legislature created the Department, and the Legislature can set guardrails to ensure the highest and best use of land. For years, the Department has failed to keep land and housing development moving with consistent long-term disposition planning and predictable decisions. That means less trust revenue for classrooms and fewer lots available for homes. This is not complicated. Arizona's high-tech economy requires new affordable rooftops for workers, and Arizona's schools depend on trust returns from the sale of available trust parcels. The Department can improve housing supply and education funding today by selling more land and ending the internal practices that keep projects stalled."
"The current administration didn't create these problems, but it certainly inherited them," said Senate Natural Resources Committee Vice Chairman Tim Dunn. "Now the burden is on the current commissioner to change the culture and redirect the agency in the right direction. The agency needs oversight, but the Department has an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for the state. A positive change could bring in millions of dollars of additional revenue for the trust. Arizona House and Senate Republicans are unified in our understanding of the issues and of the breadth of changes that are needed. Based on the clear recommendation of the Joint Committee of Reference, I think it's safe to say that the Department will not be receiving a clean continuation, and that any continuation the Department receives will be contingent on significant improvements codified in law."
HB 2150 continues the Department for four years and requires a two-year hearing, quarterly updates, and a five-year disposition plan as required by Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 37-331.03.
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Gail Griffin is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 19, which includes areas of Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, and eastern Pima and Santa Cruz Counties. She also serves as Chairman of the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee.
Tim Dunn is a Republican member of the Arizona State Senate serving Legislative District 25, which includes portions of Yuma, Maricopa, and La Paz Counties. He is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee. Follow him on X at @TimDunn_AZ.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260213GRIFFINDUNN.pdf
