States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wash. State Secretary Hobbs Issues Statement on Federal Executive Order on Elections
OLYMPIA, Washington, April 1 -- The Washington Secretary of State issued the following statement on March 31, 2026, on the federal executive order on elections:
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Secretary Steve Hobbs' statement regarding latest overreaching federal executive order on elections
The President has no authority over elections; the United States Constitution grants that authority exclusively to states and Congress. This latest federal executive order does nothing to improve that and would jeopardize citizens' lawful right to vote. We are reviewing the executive order and will take any necessary action to protect
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, April 1 -- The Washington Secretary of State issued the following statement on March 31, 2026, on the federal executive order on elections:
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Secretary Steve Hobbs' statement regarding latest overreaching federal executive order on elections
The President has no authority over elections; the United States Constitution grants that authority exclusively to states and Congress. This latest federal executive order does nothing to improve that and would jeopardize citizens' lawful right to vote. We are reviewing the executive order and will take any necessary action to protectWashington's elections.
Washington's vote-by-mail elections reflect decades of secure and accurate elections, removing barriers to citizens who want to participate in our democratic process.
Voting fraud is incredibly rare. There have been just 15 cases of noncitizen voting in Washington between 1982 and 2025 or 0.000006% of ballots cast. When issues do occur, our system is designed to identify and resolve them swiftly.
Washington ensures that elections are secure by regularly reviewing its voter rolls and makes voting easy by sending ballots to all registered voters. The President's attempt to prevent registered voters from receiving ballots is unconstitutional and unfair to voters.
Washington continues to improve voter access while maintaining the integrity of our elections. Elected officials should be doing everything to protect the constitutional rights of Washington voters, not making it harder.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.wa.gov/about-office/news/2026/secretary-steve-hobbs-statement-regarding-latest-overreaching-federal-executive-order-elections
Mich. Environment Dept.: State Releases New-Look Version of MiEJScreen Online Resource for Environmental, Health, Socioeconomic Data
LANSING, Michigan, April 1 -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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State releases new-look version of MiEJScreen online resource for environmental, health, socioeconomic data
Updates improve access to features for community assessment; webinar planned April 15
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The Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate (OEJPA) in Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today announced a new and improved version of MiEJScreen, the state's online environmental justice screening tool.
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LANSING, Michigan, April 1 -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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State releases new-look version of MiEJScreen online resource for environmental, health, socioeconomic data
Updates improve access to features for community assessment; webinar planned April 15
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The Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate (OEJPA) in Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today announced a new and improved version of MiEJScreen, the state's online environmental justice screening tool.The new Version 1.5 adds functions and continues a commitment to transparency, accessibility, and community-centered data that supports informed decision-making across the state. A webinar April 15 will cover the updates (details below).
"MiEJScreen 1.5 will continue to provide the same important information with a new look, as well as easier and faster functionality," said Regina Strong, head of the OEJPA. "Since its introduction two years ago many users including academics, government departments, businesses and community members have used MiEJScreen to assess what communities face. This version will continue to provide the same vital information as work to achieve environmental justice in Michigan."
MiEJScreen is designed to show how environmental conditions and population characteristics compare across Michigan communities. It enables users such as residents, community organizations, policymakers, regulators, businesses, and media to better understand conditions that may impact public health and environmental outcomes. By making this information accessible and easy to understand, the tool helps ensure that environmental and public health decisions are informed by data, equity, and community insight.
Data sets can be viewed at the census tract level either individually or combined into a final MiEJScreen score that allows users to understand how communities experience environmental justice impacts relative to others. These results are mapped so environmental, health, and socioeconomic conditions can be compared within specific communities, regions, or across the state.
When released in 2024, MiEJScreen Version 1.0 marked a significant step in responding to longstanding advocacy from communities with environmental justice concerns for a publicly accessible tool that reflects lived experiences. Version 1.5 builds on that foundation with a redesigned application that improves usability, expands functionality, and delivers a more seamless user experience.
What's new in Version 1.5
The updated tool incorporates technical improvements and introduces several enhancements:
* A new "Near Me" feature that allows users to quickly view MiEJScreen scores around a specific location.
* The ability to download MiEJScreen data directly from the "About Data" section.
* An "Add Data" feature enabling users to layer additional map data alongside MiEJScreen indicators.
* Improved accessibility and user experience, including a refreshed interface and smoother navigation.
* Faster, more responsive performance for exploring maps and datasets.
* Continued access to MiEJScreen score maps, indicator data, and contextual layers from Version 1.0.
As with the previous version, MiEJScreen combines multiple indicators into an overall score that reflects comprehensive environmental and socioeconomic stressors. These scores allow users to compare conditions across census tracts statewide. Higher scores indicate communities experiencing greater combined stressors and potential vulnerabilities.
Supporting transparency and community engagement
MiEJScreen remains a key resource in advancing environmental justice by creating a platform where all users can access the same data and better understand community conditions. The tool supports more informed, equitable resource distribution and strengthens collaboration among stakeholders.
OEJPA developed MiEJScreen in partnership with state agencies, community members, and diverse stakeholders. The tool will remain dynamic, with continuous updates and enhancements ensuring its relevance and effectiveness.
Webinar explores updates
To help users explore the new features and capabilities, OEJPA will host a public webinar at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 15. The session will provide an overview of the tool, demonstrate new functionality, and offer guidance on how to use MiEJScreen to support community planning, advocacy, and a better understanding of what communities face.
Registration for the Learn to Use the New-look MiEJScreen 1.5 webinar is open online.
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About OEJPA
As part of its mission to protect Michigan's environment and public health, EGLE works to meet communities where they are, striving to provide equitable access, meaningful public involvement, and transparency in decisions, working closely with all communities to ensure we maximize our impact.
The Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate works to ensure equitable access to environmental protections and resources, meaningful engagement through public participation, and to address environmental justice concerns and complaints. Through creating MiEJScreen, investing in communities through Environmental Justice Impact Grants and ongoing community engagement, the office advances environmental justice throughout the state and across state government.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2026/03/31/state-updates-miejscreen-resource
Md. A.G. Brown Challenges Rollback of Limits on Dangerous Emissions of Mercury and Other Hazardous Air Pollutants From Power Plants
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 1 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Challenges Rollback of Limits on Dangerous Emissions of Mercury and Other Hazardous Air Pollutants from Power Plants
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 21 states and local governments in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's repeal of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule and reversion to outdated standards that harm the environment and public health.
"Mercury is a brain-destroying
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 1 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Challenges Rollback of Limits on Dangerous Emissions of Mercury and Other Hazardous Air Pollutants from Power Plants
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 21 states and local governments in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's repeal of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule and reversion to outdated standards that harm the environment and public health.
"Mercury is a brain-destroyingpoison that can cause lasting harm to any Marylander who consumes it, especially pregnant people and young children," said Attorney General Brown. "We are filing this lawsuit to reverse the EPA's reckless rollback and restore the protections that keep our residents and their families safe."
The MATS Rule implements nationwide standards that limit emissions of toxic air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants, including mercury, arsenic, lead, and other toxic metals, in addition to acid gases, such as hydrogen chloride and formaldehyde. In 2024, following significant developments in the technologies used to control pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated the standards for controlling emissions of these hazardous air pollutants from power plants. Last month, the Trump administration rolled back the updated standard, allowing for more of these dangerous pollutants to be released into the air.
While mercury and other hazardous air pollutants disproportionately harm people who live near coal- and oil-fired power plants, the emissions can also travel great distances and be deposited into other states. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that poses serious dangers to public health, especially for pregnant women and children. For example, a pregnant person's consumption of mercury exposes their child to mercury and can cause lifelong developmental harms and neurological disorders such as seizures, vision and hearing loss, or delayed development. Exposure to mercury also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune dysfunction in adults.
Mercury emissions from power plants are also a major contributor to mercury contamination in U.S. waterways. Mercury pollution in lakes and rivers harms the local commercial and recreation fishing economies, as well as tribal nations and indigenous peoples that rely on fishing for subsistence.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition are asking the court to determine that the rule is unlawful and must be reversed.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the legal challenge are the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, along with the city of Chicago, the city of New York and Harris County, Texas.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Challenges-Rollback-of-Limits-on-Dangerous-Emissions-of-Mercury-and-Other-Hazardous-Air-Pollutants-f.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Announces That No Charges Will Be Filed in the September 4, 2025 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Cambridge
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 1 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces that No Charges Will Be Filed in the September 4, 2025 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Cambridge
Today, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced his decision not to seek charges in the Thursday, September 4, 2025 fatal police-involved shooting that occurred in Cambridge, Dorchester County, Maryland.
On September 4, 2025, at approximately 5:10 p.m., officers with the Cambridge Police Department ("CPD") responded to the Deep
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 1 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces that No Charges Will Be Filed in the September 4, 2025 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Cambridge
Today, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced his decision not to seek charges in the Thursday, September 4, 2025 fatal police-involved shooting that occurred in Cambridge, Dorchester County, Maryland.
On September 4, 2025, at approximately 5:10 p.m., officers with the Cambridge Police Department ("CPD") responded to the DeepHarbour Estates in Cambridge, Maryland for several 911 calls with reports of a naked, suicidal man chasing multiple individuals with a knife. Upon arrival, officers encountered a man matching the description, later identified as Ryan Garcy, who was armed with a knife. One officer, later identified as Corporal Jacob Weber, instructed Garcy to drop the knife, but he did not comply. Garcy moved towards Corporal Weber and shouted at officers, urging them to shoot him. Corporal Weber ordered Garcy to stay back, but Garcy continued advancing. Corporal Weber and another responding officer deployed their Tasers, which proved ineffective. Garcy, still armed with a knife, then ran toward Corporal Weber. When Garcy came within a few feet, Corporal Weber discharged his service weapon, striking Garcy multiple times. Following the discharge, both Corporal Weber and Garcy fell to the ground. Officers immediately requested emergency medical services ("EMS") and began rendering aid until EMS arrived. Garcy was transported to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Corporal Weber sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division (IID) began investigating the fatal police-involved shooting on Thursday, September 4, 2025, and concluded its investigation on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. After completing its investigation and evaluating all the available evidence, the Office of the Attorney General has determined that the subject officer did not commit a crime under Maryland law. Accordingly, the Attorney General has declined to prosecute the subject officer in this case.
A copy of the IID's detailed investigative findings and analysis of relevant legal issues can be found in its declination report (https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-that-No-Charges-Will-Be-Filed-in-the-September-4,-2025-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-C.aspx).
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-that-No-Charges-Will-Be-Filed-in-the-September-4,-2025-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-C.aspx
Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development Kicks Off New Day Trips: Community Connections Series in Frederick County
LANHAM, Maryland, April 1 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Kicks Off New Day Trips: Community Connections Series in Frederick County
MIDDLETOWN, Md. (March 31, 2026) - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day hosted a series of roundtable discussions with community leaders in Frederick County on Tuesday to start the Department's latest series of county tours.
The visit was part of DHCD's newest Day Trips: Community
... Show Full Article
LANHAM, Maryland, April 1 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Kicks Off New Day Trips: Community Connections Series in Frederick County
MIDDLETOWN, Md. (March 31, 2026) - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day hosted a series of roundtable discussions with community leaders in Frederick County on Tuesday to start the Department's latest series of county tours.
The visit was part of DHCD's newest Day Trips: CommunityConnections tour series, a new phase of the Department's broader Day Trips initiative. While the first round of Day Trips focused on visiting every county in Maryland to tour projects and hear from local officials and partners, this next phase is designed to create more focused conversations with community and civic partners closest to the work in housing, community revitalization, homeless solutions and business development.
Tuesday's visit was centered on three roundtable discussions in Middletown and Emmitsburg that allowed Department staff and local leaders to collaborate around these goals:
* Strengthening coordination among Department leaders and local service providers to identify homelessness, address service gaps and policy challenges along with aligning local efforts with state housing stability priorities,
* Examining barriers to building housing in Frederick and brainstorming potential solutions,
* Discussing long-term housing and community development goals for Emmitsburg and Mount St. Mary's University.
During the Mount St. Mary's University roundtable, Secretary Day presented a check celebrating the Department's investment in the School of Health Professions, which received $1 million through a Seed Community Development Anchor Institution Fund grant and opened in fall 2025. The grant supported Mount St. Mary's University and the Daughters of Charity to turn a then underutilized wing of the Daughters' St. Joseph House in Emmitsburg into the university's School of Health Professions, which is now home to a physician assistant program and a pediatric behavior health center.
Department staff also visited Middletown Main Street, a Designated Main Street and participant in the Main Street Maryland program since 2008. The tour visited Memorial Hall, a building vacant for decades before being rehabilitated into new apartments and retail space through support from the Department's Community Legacy Program, and the town's Welcome Center, a recipient of the Department's Community Investment Tax Credits Program.
"The best way to learn how we can help Marylanders is by meeting them in their communities," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. "Today's discussions with our partners and local organization leaders provided us with valuable information on how DHCD can ensure we leave no one behind in Frederick County."
Here's what community partners had to say about the visit.
"Addressing today's housing challenges requires more than any one organization can accomplish alone--it demands strong, sustained partnership. The collective conversation today with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development leaders reinforced that when local experience is aligned with state-level resources and strategy, we can move further, faster. By working together, we have a powerful opportunity to expand access to safe, affordable housing while strengthening and revitalizing the communities we serve." - Eric Anderson, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County
"By working as a team, we do more than provide housing--we develop trust, restore dignity, create stability, and build a robust community where everyone has a place to call home." - Maria D. Herrera, Executive Director, Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland Inc. (La Comunidad)
"We are always happy to host DHCD in Middletown and we love showing the team the finished products of DHCD grant funded projects that have helped grow convert Middletown from a charming small town to a must-visit destination to dine, shop, and explore our rich history, and surrounding agricultural roots." - Becky Axilbund, Executive Director, Main Street Middletown, MD. Inc.
"Strong communities are not built in isolation, they are built through collaboration. Addressing housing affordability and expanding attainable homeownership opportunities in Frederick County requires partnership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. When we align our efforts, we create not just housing, but pathways to stability, economic mobility, and long-term community vitality. It truly takes a collective commitment to ensure Frederick remains a place where individuals and families at all stages of life can find a place to call home." - Hugh Gordon, CEO, Frederick County Association of REALTORS
"We're proud to partner with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and local leaders in Frederick County to advance practical, community-centered housing solutions. Strong collaboration is what drives real progress--strengthening neighborhoods, preserving what matters, and expanding opportunities for residents. We look forward to continuing this work in Frederick and across Maryland." - Max Friedman, VP of Portfolio Preservation, Conifer Realty
"True progress is never a solo endeavor; it is the result of forces working together. At this morning's meeting in Middletown, Maryland, under the leadership of Secretary Jake Day, we are seeing this principle in action--fostering partnerships across the state to create lasting solutions, reminding us that by united effort, we can turn ambitious affordable housing initiatives into reality." - Stephen Wilson, SCG Development
"Secretary Day and his team understand the growing gap between wages and escalating cost of housing. The conversation today gave voice to some of the reasons why costs are growing so quickly, and identified strategies to help reduce those costs." - Ken Oldham, United Way of Frederick County
"Emmitsburg is grateful to Secretary Day and the DHCD team for the opportunity to discuss the challenging realities of downtown revitalization, infrastructure investment, and future housing and development in our town. We, as a Town, remain committed to preserving our character, supporting local businesses, and creating a lovable place for current and future residents. We appreciate the State's interest in learning about our community and partnering with us as we plan for the future." - Mayor Frank Davis, Town of Emmitsburg
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2026/03/31/maryland-department-of-housing-and-community-development-kicks-off-new-day-trips-community-connections-series-in-frederick-county/
Calif. Gov. Newsom's Border Strategy Intercepts 54 Million Lethal Fentanyl Pills Since 2021
SACRAMENTO, California, April 1 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Governor Newsom's border strategy intercepts 54 million lethal fentanyl pills since 2021
What you need to know: In 2021, Governor Newsom launched a major expansion of California's border drug-interdiction operations, redirecting the California National Guard toward stopping fentanyl traffickers. Since then, those efforts have helped seize more than 54 million lethal fentanyl pills.
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Through California's expanded border drug-interdiction operations, Governor Gavin
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SACRAMENTO, California, April 1 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Governor Newsom's border strategy intercepts 54 million lethal fentanyl pills since 2021
What you need to know: In 2021, Governor Newsom launched a major expansion of California's border drug-interdiction operations, redirecting the California National Guard toward stopping fentanyl traffickers. Since then, those efforts have helped seize more than 54 million lethal fentanyl pills.
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Through California's expanded border drug-interdiction operations, Governor GavinNewsom today announced a record-breaking public safety milestone: 37,000 pounds of fentanyl seized, including nearly 54 million lethal pills, worth more than $513 million before they could reach California communities.
Since 2021, Governor Newsom has deployed the California National Guard - known as the Counterdrug Task Force - to support intelligence-driven drug interdiction at ports of entry -- a targeted, lawful strategy backed by a $30 million state investment proposed by the Governor and enacted in the state budget.
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We've taken a focused, no-nonsense approach to keep deadly fentanyl out of our communities. While others chase headlines and deploy troops for political theater, California is doing the real work -- stopping drugs at the border, saving lives, and holding traffickers accountable.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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This strategy strengthens coordination with federal, state, and local partners, including High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) programs, and targets transnational criminal organizations where they operate -- at ports of entry. Just last month, Governor Newsom was in San Diego providing an update on the counter narcotics efforts the CalGuard and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) are involved in.
Unlike the Trump administration's chaotic deployments and diversion of military resources toward open-ended international conflicts, California has remained focused on its core responsibility: protecting people at home with precision, accountability, and results.
Guard service beyond the border
California National Guard servicemembers are also on the front lines of the state's most urgent issues.
In late February, more than 100 state, local and federal officers - including CalGuard Counterdrug Task Force members - were involved in a months-long operation in Northern California known as "Operation Trash Panda" where they seized 1,443 pounds of bulk methamphetamine and 1,270 partially processed methamphetamine , for a street value of $4 million. In addition, officials seized 1,900 marijuana plants, about 107 pounds of processed marijuana and 12 firearms.
Through Joint Task Force Rattlesnake, more than 400 Cal Guard members work under CAL FIRE to prevent and fight wildfires -- a mission as critical to public safety as stopping fentanyl. Their Type 1 fire crews have responded to over 2,500 fires since 2020.
"Our servicemembers live and work in the same communities they serve, and they bring capabilities that make a real difference to our partners across California, " said California Military Department Major General Matthew P. Beevers. Whether that's helping disrupt drug trafficking or standing shoulder to shoulder with firefighters on the front lines, it's about putting the right people in the right place to protect Californians."
Disrupted by Trump, restored by California
These lifesaving operations were disrupted when President Trump removed California National Guard members from their duties last year and illegally deployed them against their own communities - halting critical counterdrug and emergency response work.
After the Guard was returned to state control, Governor Newsom moved quickly to restore these operations -- getting servicemembers back to doing what they're trained to do: protecting Californians.
Stopping crime statewide
California's public safety strategy doesn't stop at the border.
The CHP for two years has been conducting targeted crime suppression operations -- recently expanding to San Diego, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, the Central Valley, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area -- resulting in:
* 12,645 arrests
* 6,475 stolen vehicles recovered
* 568 illegal firearms seized
* 2,549+ pounds of drugs confiscated, including fentanyl
In addition, in late 2025, the California National Guard and Mexico's National Defense Secretariat (DEFENSA), which manages the Army and Air Force, signed a letter of intent to further enhance border security, amplify our tied economic prosperity, and share military expertise. As part of their new partnership, Mexico's DEFENSA visited California in January for a multi-day hands-on understanding of the state's leadership in public safety and emergency management.
Saving lives
Fentanyl is primarily smuggled into the country by U.S. citizens through ports of entry and remains one of the deadliest drugs in circulation -- just two milligrams can be lethal.
California is attacking the crisis from every angle:
* CalRx(R) naloxone - now available statewide at a lower cost
* $40.9 million saved and reinvested into opioid response
* 400,000+ overdose reversals through naloxone distribution
* opioids.ca.gov provides resources for prevention, treatment, and accountability
Read more about the work California is doing to address the overdose epidemic here (https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/drug-overdose-america-california-trump-22072818.php).
New data show crime is down
According to recent data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, crime is down nearly across the board in California year-over-year.
* Homicides: 18%
* Robberies: 19%
* Violent crime: Down in every major city reporting data
* Largest drops: Oakland (25%) and San Francisco (21%)
Compared to 2019 (the last pre pandemic year), violent crime across the same large California city police departments tracked in the MCCA year end surveys is down about 12% in 2025 -- driven by robberies down about 29% and homicides down about 12%. Not every major jurisdiction is seeing California's same results: violent crime increased in Atlanta (+17%), with robbery up (+27%), and homicides rose in El Paso (+25%) and Omaha (+37%).
California's significant public safety investments
California has invested $2.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California's Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.
In 2024, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state's robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills offer new tools to bolster ongoing efforts to hold criminals accountable for smash-and-grab robberies, property crime, retail theft, and auto burglaries. While California's crime rate remains at near-historic lows, these laws help California adapt to evolving criminal tactics to ensure perpetrators are effectively held accountable.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/03/31/governor-newsoms-border-strategy-intercepts-54-million-lethal-fentanyl-pills-since-2021/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Joins Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Pass Legislation to Protect Communities From Illicit Xylazine
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 1 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Joins Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Pass Legislation to Protect Communities from Illicit Xylazine
Attorney General Mayes today joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 other attorneys general in calling on Congress to pass the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. The bipartisan legislation would classify the dangerous animal tranquilizer xylazine - which is often mixed with fentanyl and other opioids - as a federal controlled substance to better protect
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 1 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 31, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Joins Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Pass Legislation to Protect Communities from Illicit Xylazine
Attorney General Mayes today joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 other attorneys general in calling on Congress to pass the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. The bipartisan legislation would classify the dangerous animal tranquilizer xylazine - which is often mixed with fentanyl and other opioids - as a federal controlled substance to better protectcommunities and reduce opioid overdose deaths. In a letter to House and Senate leadership, Attorney General Mayes and the coalition explain the dangers of illicit xylazine, which is causing an increasing number of opioid overdose deaths, and argue that federally classifying xylazine as a controlled substance is essential to helping law enforcement stop the spread of the drug.
"Xylazine is making already dangerous street drugs even more harmful," said Attorney General Mayes. "I urge Congress to take action to protect Arizona communities from this substance."
Xylazine, widely known by its street name "tranq," is a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer used for large animals, including horses and deer, and is not approved for any human use. Xylazine is not an opioid and therefore does not respond to the overdose reversal drug naloxone, greatly increasing its lethality when mixed with opioids. In recent years, xylazine has been mixed with illicit opioids, most commonly fentanyl.
Attorney General Mayes and the coalition argue that the lack of information on xylazine's development, distribution, and related deaths makes it difficult to track and stop the spread of the drug. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would classify xylazine as a controlled substance, would allow the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to track the manufacturing of the drug, prevent diversion, and mandate public reporting. With more information on the development, distribution, and use of xylazine, law enforcement professionals would be better equipped to fight against this rising threat. Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the legislation with strong bipartisan support. In their letter, the attorneys general urge Congress to immediately pass this legislation to help address the opioid epidemic and save lives.
The letter is led by the attorneys general of New York, Arkansas, Connecticut, and Tennessee. Joining the letter are the attorneys general of American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
A copy of the letter is available (https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/ee37ed79-d0ea-9041-fafc-7f6914bac99a/Combatting_Illicit_Xylazine_date_change.pdf).
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INFODOC: https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/ee37ed79-d0ea-9041-fafc-7f6914bac99a/Combatting_Illicit_Xylazine_date_change.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-joins-bipartisan-coalition-urging-congress-pass-legislation
