States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
S.D. A.G. Jackley Releases Draft Explanation on Proposed Constitutional Amendment Requiring Citizenship to Vote
PIERRE, South Dakota, April 29 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Releases Draft Explanation on Proposed Constitutional Amendment Requiring Citizenship to Vote
As required by state law, an explanation for a Constitutional Amendment proposed by the Legislature that would clarify that an individual must be a citizen of the United States to be eligible to vote has been filed with the Secretary of State's Office.
Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, April 29 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Releases Draft Explanation on Proposed Constitutional Amendment Requiring Citizenship to Vote
As required by state law, an explanation for a Constitutional Amendment proposed by the Legislature that would clarify that an individual must be a citizen of the United States to be eligible to vote has been filed with the Secretary of State's Office.
Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of theballot explanation. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation to help assist the voters as required by state law.
Sen. Jim Mehlhaff is listed as the prime sponsor of the proposal which was approved by the 2025 South Dakota Legislature.
The ballot explanation can be found here (https://us5.unblockproxy.win/index.php?q=zden1dWekZSWpJmUpZ2TntOrkZTSydiQd6bYy89XaJaXm1iXkpaSl2tVZJZzpsqlyKLHnteLl5GqpYuUk4V6i5eTdtTQ19aTgqWl2ldrlZnJWpRgxIuXkZmf2svdl6SLl5On1IeWkrukpJeUop3L).
State law requires the Attorney General draft a title and explanation for each initiated measure, initiated constitutional amendment, constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, or referred measure that may appear on an election ballot. The Attorney General's explanation is meant to be an "objective, clear, and simple summary" intended to "educate the voters of the purpose and effect of the proposed" measure, as well as identify the "legal consequences" of each measure.
Once the Attorney General has filed and posted the draft explanation, the public has 10 days to provide written comment. The explanation was filed April 28, 2026, and the deadline for comments on this explanation is May 8, 2026, at the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota. The final explanation is due to the Secretary of State on May 19, 2026.
If approved, the explanation will accompany the proposal on the 2026 general election ballot which is Nov. 3.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3061
Pa. Senators Applaud Advancement of Bill to Create Phone-Free Schools in PA
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 29 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Senators Applaud Advancement of Bill to Create Phone-Free Schools in PA
Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Vincent Hughes (D-7), and Steve Santarseiro (D-10) issued the following joint statement after Senate Bill 1014 was approved by the House of Representatives Education Committee:
"Today's advancement of Senate Bill 1014 is an important step toward restoring focus, connection, and balance in our classrooms. Students deserve a learning environment free from the constant
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 29 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Senators Applaud Advancement of Bill to Create Phone-Free Schools in PA
Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Vincent Hughes (D-7), and Steve Santarseiro (D-10) issued the following joint statement after Senate Bill 1014 was approved by the House of Representatives Education Committee:
"Today's advancement of Senate Bill 1014 is an important step toward restoring focus, connection, and balance in our classrooms. Students deserve a learning environment free from the constantdistractions of cellphones and social media.
"This legislation establishes a clear, consistent statewide standard prohibiting cellphone use during the school day, while still allowing school districts the flexibility to implement policies in a way that works best for their communities. It also includes appropriate exceptions for medical needs, individualized education programs, English language learners, and instructional use with teacher permission.
"A statewide, phone-free school policy is backed by a strong, bipartisan coalition of educators, parents, and even students across Pennsylvania who are deeply concerned about the impact of smartphones on academic performance, mental health, and social development. Excessive screen time and constant notifications are contributing to increased anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying, while also taking away from valuable in-person interaction and learning. Since the early 2010s, teen depression has surged by approximately 150%, while suicide rates among children ages 10-14 have tripled between 2007 and 2021, corresponding with the rising popularity of smartphones and social media.
"By creating phone-free schools, we are giving students the opportunity to better engage in the classroom, build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, and develop healthier habits.
"We look forward to continued consideration of this bipartisan legislation in the House and remain committed to supporting policies that put students' well-being and success first."
While Senate Bill 1014 was amended by the House of Representatives Education Committee, the original language was left largely intact ensuring that the true intent of the bill to create phone-free schools remains. If enacted, Pennsylvania would join 28 states with student cellphone restrictions -- including 19 states enforcing bell to bell bans.
The bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
For more information, visit Robinson's webpage (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/senatorrobinson.com/cellphones_in_school/__;!!CQG60v2-!hk5BFLL-_xf2uMXQsgQi9VLgipGxyQjEQFy2ALQn5KW3-dOFnvPH2TlTlPDh02Mx3sfu__NPEN2NLgeH5UO_EvYFslg3erc$).
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/senators-applaud-advancement-of-bill-to-create-phone-free-schools-in-pa/
California's Servicemembers Seize $11.4 Million in Deadly Fentanyl So Far This Year
SACRAMENTO, California, April 29 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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California's servicemembers seize $11.4 million in deadly fentanyl so far this year
What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced California National Guard servicemembers helped seize $11.4 million in illegal narcotics since January 2026, continuing the state's border strategy and enhancing public safety.
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Advancing the state's nation-leading border strategy to disrupt criminal organizations and keep communities safe, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that
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SACRAMENTO, California, April 29 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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California's servicemembers seize $11.4 million in deadly fentanyl so far this year
What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced California National Guard servicemembers helped seize $11.4 million in illegal narcotics since January 2026, continuing the state's border strategy and enhancing public safety.
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Advancing the state's nation-leading border strategy to disrupt criminal organizations and keep communities safe, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced thatCalifornia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force members have helped seize $11.4 million worth of illegal narcotics in the first three months of 2026.
Building on the Governor's border security and public safety strategy highlighted earlier this year in San Diego, CalGuard continues to work in close coordination with federal, state, and local partners to intercept the flow of illicit drugs and dismantle trafficking networks.
Since January, CalGuard members have supported law enforcement agencies in seizing 1,500 pounds of fentanyl and 713,000 pills containing fentanyl, with an estimated total street value of $11.4 million.
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We're all-in to protect our California communities -- cracking down on drug trafficking, strengthening our border strategy, and continuing to invest in the men and women of CalGuard who are on the front lines of public safety. The results speak for themselves: millions of dollars' worth of illegal drugs taken off our streets and real progress in disrupting the networks that threaten the Golden State.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Under Governor Newsom's leadership, California prioritizes fentanyl as a top public safety concern, deploying state resources to remove it from our streets. Working with state and local law enforcement, CalGuard analysts helped disrupt a trafficking operation involving approximately 1,500 pounds of fentanyl powder and over 700,000 fentanyl-laced pills--a single load potentially containing hundreds of millions of lethal doses. Just two milligrams, a pencil-tip amount, is considered a potentially deadly dose, and counterfeit fentanyl pills are linked to fatal overdoses across California.
In March alone, task force members contributed to the seizure of 663 pounds of fentanyl and 268,679 pills containing fentanyl, representing more than $5 million in illegal drugs taken off the streets in just one month.
Recently, CalGuard servicemembers participated in a San Bernardino County narcotics task force operation that resulted in an estimated seizure of approximately 188 lbs of fentanyl, 16.8 lbs of heroin, and 4.4 lbs of cocaine, with an estimated value of nearly $1.5 million. This effort helped to significantly disrupt a major narcotics trafficking network operating in Southern California.
"This operation underscores the vital role our Counter Drug Task Force plays in protecting our communities from illicit narcotics," said California Military Department Adjutant General Major General Beevers. "We are proud to stand alongside our Federal, State, Tribal, and local law enforcement partners in keeping our neighborhoods safe."
Strengthening California's border efforts
These latest efforts build on sustained progress since 2021. To date, CalGuard's Counterdrug Task Force has supported the seizure of nearly 38,000 pounds of fentanyl and more than 53.5 million fentanyl pills, with an estimated total street value of $518.5 million.
This operation exemplifies the Governor's fentanyl strategy, combining record investments in treatment, prevention, and naloxone production and distribution with aggressive, intelligence-driven enforcement, and has resulted in the state taking entire pipelines of fentanyl out of circulation by focusing on traffickers and major distribution hubs, such as ports of entry along the border. These efforts prove that this strategy works on the ground - removing millions of potentially deadly doses from the supply chain and reinforcing Governor Newsom's commitment to using every tool to save lives.
CalGuard service members are providing critical analytical, investigative, and logistical support to law enforcement operations statewide -- helping identify trafficking patterns, support interdictions, and accelerate case-building efforts against organized criminal networks.
Task Force Rattlesnake: preparing for fire season
CalGuard's counterdrug mission is part of a broader commitment to protect Californians while responding to some of the state's most urgent emergencies.
In addition to supporting counterdrug operations, CalGuard plays a critical role in wildfire response and prevention, deploying highly trained service members to support firefighting efforts, emergency response operations, and community protection during peak fire season.
Recently, CalGuard's 146th Airlift Wing and its partner agencies began their annual Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) training to prepare for aerial wildfire suppression across California and the country. MAFFS helps convert military C-130 aircraft into aerial firefighting platforms capable of dropping 3,000 gallons of fire retardant. The training focused on rapid deployment, fire suppression support, and coordination with CAL FIRE and other emergency response partners.
As part of these enhanced readiness efforts, Task Force Rattlesnake continues to support California's wildfire response mission. More than 400 CalGuard 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.
These dual missions reflect California's continued investment in CalGuard as a versatile, ready force capable of responding to evolving threats -- both man-made and natural.
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).
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/2026/04/28/californias-servicemembers-seize-11-4-million-in-deadly-fentanyl-so-far-this-year/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes and Secretary Fontes Issue Statement on Dismissal of DOJ's Lawsuit Demanding Arizona's Voter Rolls
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 29 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes and Secretary Fontes Issue Statement on Dismissal of DOJ's Lawsuit Demanding Arizona's Voter Rolls
Attorney General Kris Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes issued the below statement following Judge Susan Brnovich's dismissal of the DOJ's lawsuit against Arizona demanding the state's voter rolls:
Today, Judge Susan Brnovich rightfully dismissed the Trump Administration's lawsuit demanding Arizona hand over its statewide voter registration
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 29 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes and Secretary Fontes Issue Statement on Dismissal of DOJ's Lawsuit Demanding Arizona's Voter Rolls
Attorney General Kris Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes issued the below statement following Judge Susan Brnovich's dismissal of the DOJ's lawsuit against Arizona demanding the state's voter rolls:
Today, Judge Susan Brnovich rightfully dismissed the Trump Administration's lawsuit demanding Arizona hand over its statewide voter registrationrolls to the federal government.
That database contains the sensitive personal information of millions of Arizona voters - home addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security and driver's license numbers.
But the Court was clear: Title III of the Civil Rights Act does not authorize this demand. This is now the sixth federal court to reach the same conclusion.
Arizona acted correctly in refusing this request, and today's ruling vindicates that decision. Our offices will continue to defend the privacy of Arizona voters against federal overreach.
A copy of the ruling (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=5b88ac7580&e=9153ff6c96) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-and-secretary-fontes-issue-statement-dismissal-dojs-lawsuit
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Joins Bipartisan Effort to Curb Sales of Illegal Vaping Products
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 29 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Joins Bipartisan Effort to Curb Sales of Illegal Vaping Products
Attorney General Kris Mayes today joined a bipartisan coalition of 24 other attorneys general and the City of New York in urging major credit card companies and payment processors, including American Express, Capital One, Citi Group, Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Stripe, Sezzle, and Block (operator of Square, Cash App, and Afterpay) to take stronger action to prevent their payment networks
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 29 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Joins Bipartisan Effort to Curb Sales of Illegal Vaping Products
Attorney General Kris Mayes today joined a bipartisan coalition of 24 other attorneys general and the City of New York in urging major credit card companies and payment processors, including American Express, Capital One, Citi Group, Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Stripe, Sezzle, and Block (operator of Square, Cash App, and Afterpay) to take stronger action to prevent their payment networksfrom being used to facilitate sales of illegal vaping products.
In letters (linked above) sent to corporate leadership of each company, Attorney General Mayes and the coalition called for immediate collaboration to block unlawful transactions that enable the widespread distribution of illegal vaping products, particularly to young people.
"These payment networks are not passive bystanders -- they are the financial backbone enabling sales of illegal vapes to minors," said Attorney General Mayes. "Credit card companies and payment processors must cut off the money flow to bad actors and keep dangerous, unauthorized products out of Arizona communities."
Federal law requires that all e-cigarette products receive authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be legally marketed or sold in the United States. To date, the FDA has authorized only 41 e-cigarette products, none in flavors other than tobacco or menthol, meaning the vast majority of vapor products sold are illegal. Products that have not received FDA authorization are considered "adulterated" under federal law and cannot legally be sold or shipped in interstate commerce.
In addition, the federal Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act imposes strict requirements on online sellers, including age verification, registration, and compliance with all laws applicable to the sale of vaping products. Attorney General Mayes and the coalition argue that many online retailers are failing to comply with these federal laws, as investigations show that most online sellers violate these requirements, including basic safeguards meant to prevent youth access.
Despite these restrictions, unauthorized e-cigarettes continue to be sold in vape shops or online and shipped directly to consumers, with transactions frequently processed through major payment networks.
States have taken enforcement actions against illegal businesses, including litigation and referrals to federal authorities for placement on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' Noncompliant List. However, the coalition emphasizes that enforcement against vape sellers is not enough on its own, and that payment processors play a critical role in stopping illegal sales at their source. Attorney General Mayes and the coalition are calling on the credit card companies and payment processors to take meaningful steps to prevent their services from being used to process illegal e-cigarette transactions.
Specifically, they are requesting a meeting to discuss solutions, including prohibiting merchants and payment processors that violate federal, state, and local laws from using their networks. The coalition emphasizes that collaboration between government and the private sector has successfully reduced illegal tobacco sales in the past and is essential to addressing the current surge in unlawful vaping product distribution.
Joining Attorney General Mayes in sending the letters, which were led by the attorneys general of New York, Pennsylvania, California, and the City of New York, are the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-joins-bipartisan-effort-curb-sales-illegal-vaping-products
Ala. Economic & Community Affairs Dept.: Gov. Ivey Awards Funds for Programs Assisting Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, April 29 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news on April 28, 2026:
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Gov. Ivey awards funds for programs assisting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded 15 grants totaling about $673,000 to nonprofit organizations and county governments in central Alabama to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other crimes.
"These funds will support programs that provide critical services to crime victims and help investigate and prosecute offenders," Gov. Ivey said.
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, April 29 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news on April 28, 2026:
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Gov. Ivey awards funds for programs assisting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded 15 grants totaling about $673,000 to nonprofit organizations and county governments in central Alabama to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other crimes.
"These funds will support programs that provide critical services to crime victims and help investigate and prosecute offenders," Gov. Ivey said."I am pleased to award these grants that will help victims recover and take important steps toward rebuilding their lives."
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants with funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
"These awful crimes can be especially damaging to victims, and the cases often require special skills and knowledge," ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. "ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending efforts to assist victims and prevent future offenses."
Below are the agencies receiving grants.
Rape Counselors of East Alabama - $26,110 for services including a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention counseling and long-term support for victims of sexual assault and human trafficking in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.
Tuscaloosa SAFE Center - $54,610 for services including forensic exams, case management and therapy for victims of sexual violence in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.
SAN Inc., better known as Turning Point - $39,610 to provide emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, a 24-hour crisis line and follow-up services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.
Montgomery Area Family Violence Program, better known as Family Sunshine Center - $52,110 to assist victims of family violence, sexual assault and human trafficking with services including shelter, counseling and advocacy. Its service area comprises Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties.
Selma and Blackbelt Regional Abuse (SABRA) Sanctuary - $16,350 to provide community education, crisis intervention, case management and other services to domestic violence victims in Dallas, Greene, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties.
Elmore County Commission - $83,710 to support the 19th Circuit Domestic Violence Unit. The unit provides information, education, referrals to other community resources, accompaniment to court proceedings and other services to domestic violence victims in Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties.
Talladega County Commission - $42,710 for the 29th Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, which provides support services, prosecution and other services in domestic violence cases in Talladega County.
Pickens County Commission - $57,710 for the 24th Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit. The unit provides specialized training to law enforcement officers, investigative services and other resources in domestic violence and sexual assault cases in Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties.
Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama - $67,110 for this Homewood-based organization to serve primarily Hispanic and immigrant victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and other crimes statewide.
Domestic Violence Intervention Center - $28,110 to offer emergency shelter, outreach and education, support groups, child advocacy, legal advocacy and counseling to domestic violence victims in Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties.
YWCA Central Alabama - $33,110 to serve victims of adult physical assault, domestic violence, elder abuse and neglect and other crimes in Blount, Jefferson and St. Clair counties.
Legal Services Alabama - $54,243 to obtain an attorney and project manager for Project Leviticus, which provides legal counsel to domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Pike counties.
Columbus Alliance for Battered Women, better known as Hope Harbour - $13,460 for services including legal advocacy and crisis intervention to domestic violence victims in Russell County.
SafeHouse of Shelby County - $27,110 to provide shelter, counseling, advocacy and case management for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Chilton, Clay, Coosa and Shelby counties.
Montgomery County Commission - $77,710 to support the District Attorney's Family Justice Unit and provide a designated Deputy District Attorney to prosecute cases that involve violence against women within the county.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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Original text here: https://adeca.alabama.gov/2026/04/28/gov-ivey-awards-funds-for-programs-assisting-victims-of-domestic-violence-sexual-assault/
A.G. Davenport, Division on Civil Rights Announce Renewed Enforcement Focus on Protecting New Jerseyans From Housing Discrimination and Expanding Housing Opportunity
TRENTON, New Jersey, April 29 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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AG Davenport, Division on Civil Rights Announce Renewed Enforcement Focus on Protecting New Jerseyans From Housing Discrimination and Expanding Housing Opportunity
Office Takes Action In 26 Cases Addressing Discrimination Based on Criminal History, Source of Lawful Income, and Mortgage Redlining
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced that the Office of the Attorney General and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) are renewing their enforcement
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, April 29 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 28, 2026:
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AG Davenport, Division on Civil Rights Announce Renewed Enforcement Focus on Protecting New Jerseyans From Housing Discrimination and Expanding Housing Opportunity
Office Takes Action In 26 Cases Addressing Discrimination Based on Criminal History, Source of Lawful Income, and Mortgage Redlining
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced that the Office of the Attorney General and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) are renewing their enforcementfocus on protecting New Jerseyans from housing discrimination, expanding housing opportunity, and driving down the cost of housing in New Jersey. Attorney General Davenport pointed out enforcement actions in 26 matters involving housing discrimination based on prior criminal history, source of lawful income discrimination, and mortgage redlining as examples of that renewed focus.
DCR is issuing final orders assessing penalties against housing providers in 14 cases involving violations of the Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA), which protects against housing discrimination based on prior criminal history. DCR has also issued findings of probable cause in 11 cases involving alleged violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination's (LAD) prohibition against discrimination based on source of lawful income.
In addition, as part of the office's ongoing commitment to tackling mortgage redlining, Attorney General Davenport announced that the state - along with Delaware and Pennsylvania--has secured an amendment to a 2022 redlining settlement with Trident Mortgage LP (Trident) and its real estate brokerage partner Fox & Roach LP that will ensure continued compliance with the 2022 settlement despite the federal government's premature termination of a federal consent order with Trident and Fox & Roach. That agreement ensures that the promised relief from the mortgage redlining settlement, one of the largest in U.S. history, will be delivered in full to the residents of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, notwithstanding the U.S. Department of Justice's and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's termination of their federal settlement.
"Access to affordable, safe housing is out of reach for too many New Jerseyans. We will use every enforcement tool at our disposal to confront this affordability crisis and expand housing opportunity for all New Jerseyans - and that includes taking on housing discrimination whenever it puts homeownership or rental housing out of reach for New Jerseyans," said Attorney General Davenport. "With the federal government backing away from enforcing our civil rights laws and combating housing discrimination, it is more important than ever that states lead the charge in addressing predatory practices. Today's enforcement actions underscore our renewed commitment to expanding housing opportunity and taking on discriminatory practices that make housing less affordable."
"Many New Jerseyans rely on rental assistance programs like Section 8 to acquire affordable housing. Having a history with the criminal legal system cannot automatically bar you from having fair access to housing. And race should never be a determining factor of whether someone can get a mortgage," said Yolanda N. Melville, Director of the Division on Civil Rights. "We are committed to enforcing the protections offered by our civil rights laws because safe, affordable housing is a necessity, not a privilege."
Today's announcement, which comes during Fair Housing Month, continues the Office's recent efforts to expand housing opportunity and reduce housing costs for New Jerseyans. Earlier this month, Attorney General Davenport announced several other actions to address the affordability of rental housing, leading a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general urging action by the Federal Trade Commission and publishing new guidance putting landlords on notice of New Jersey's new law imposing a $50 cap on rental application fees.
Fair Chance in Housing Act Enforcement Actions
Following investigations, DCR issued Notices of Violation (NOV) and subsequently issued final orders to 14 housing providers for violating the FCHA by asking criminal history-related questions on housing applications that are prohibited by the law, or by posting housing advertisements or maintaining housing policies that do not comply with FCHA. The final orders assess penalties against housing providers, and they require the housing providers to cease violating the law.
The housing providers were assessed penalties for violating the FCHA in connection with properties located in Blackwood, East Orange, Lakewood, Mays Landing, Newark, New Brunswick, Rahway, Somerset, and Williamstown. The Notices of Violation advise the housing providers that DCR believes their actions are in violation of the law and that they may face civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense, up to $5,000 for a second offense, and up to $10,000 for any subsequent offense. In the cases announced today, DCR assessed penalties ranging from $500 to $1,000.
Source of Lawful Income Enforcement Actions
In addition, following investigations, DCR found probable cause to conclude that property owners, property managers, and real estate agents in 11 cases violated the LAD by denying individuals the opportunity to rent housing using government rental assistance in the findings of probable cause announced today.
The housing providers are alleged to have violated the law in connection with properties located in East Orange, Hackensack, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, and Tuckerton.
The Housing Rights Initiative (HRI), a non-profit housing watchdog group that conducts tests to detect housing discrimination, filed seven complaints with DCR, alleging that housing providers refused to rent apartments to applicants using Section 8 housing vouchers. HRI testers were told either by the landlord or by a real estate agent or broker that the properties in question would not accept housing vouchers.
In other four cases, individuals filed verified complaints with DCR, each alleging that they were denied apartments because they used housing vouchers.
Findings of Probable Cause do not represent final adjudication on the merits of cases. Instead, they mean DCR has concluded its preliminary investigations and determined sufficient evidence exists to support reasonable suspicion the LAD has been violated. Once DCR issues Findings of Probable Cause, cases go to conciliation, where the parties will have the opportunity to negotiate a voluntary resolution. If no voluntary resolution is reached, DCR will appoint a Deputy Attorney General to prosecute the case.
Mortgage Redlining Enforcement
In addition to enforcing state fair housing laws, New Jersey is stepping up to protect its residents from housing discrimination even where the federal government has stepped back, announcing today that it will continue to ensure compliance with a landmark mortgage redlining settlement even as the U.S. Department of Justice and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau decline to protect prospective homebuyers from redlining.
In 2022, DCR entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with lender Trident Mortgage LP (Trident) and its real estate brokerage partner, Fox & Roach LP, following accusations that the companies had engaged in redlining practices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. As part of a federal consent order and separate agreements with each state, Trident agreed to provide $18.4 million in loan subsidies and other relief to homebuyers through 2027. In June 2025, however, the U.S. Department of Justice and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau prematurely terminated the federal consent order before relief had been fully distributed.
As part of today's announcement, New Jersey - together with Pennsylvania and Delaware - has now secured amended agreements from Trident and Fox & Roach, ensuring that the promised relief from their settlements will be delivered in full to the residents of those states despite the termination of the federal settlement.
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The enforcement actions announced today are the result of the work of DCR's Investigations Unit, led by Deputy Director Michael Campion, Chief of Legal Affairs Jim Michael, Deputy Chief Legal Specialist Meena Song, and Supervising Investigator Justin Hoffer, with the assistance of Legal Specialist Katherine Petrie McAteer, Legal Specialist Ryan Kelly, Legal Specialist Erica Hernandez DeLuna, Investigator Paige Hickman, as well as former Investigators Nestor Calara and Mark Bator.
April is Fair Housing Month. For more information about housing discrimination and how to file a complaint with DCR, please visit https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-on-civil-rights-home/priorities/housing-discrimination/.
DCR is the state agency responsible for preventing and eliminating discrimination and bias-based harassment in housing, employment, and places of public accommodation (e.g., places open to the public like schools, businesses, hospitals, etc.) by enforcing the Fair Chance in Housing Act, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, and the New Jersey Family Leave Act.
View Source of Lawful Income Factsheet (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/fact_SOI.pdf) | View Fair Chance in Housing Act Factsheet (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FCHA-Flowchart.pdf) | View Amended Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-0424_Trident-AVC-DCR-Signed-4-13-26-fully-executed.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-division-on-civil-rights-announce-renewed-enforcement-focus-on-protecting-new-jerseyans-from-housing-discrimination-and-expanding-housing-opportunity/
