States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Attorney General Hanaway Charges St. Louis Fraudsters For Medicaid Scam
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 27 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Hanaway Charges St. Louis Fraudsters For Medicaid Scam
Today, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has filed criminal charges against Rebecca Walker and Douglaz Walker, who received payment after submitting false time records to Medicaid for personal care services they did not actually provide.
The Walkers, while claiming to be personal care attendants providing services such as dressing, meal
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 27 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Hanaway Charges St. Louis Fraudsters For Medicaid Scam
Today, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has filed criminal charges against Rebecca Walker and Douglaz Walker, who received payment after submitting false time records to Medicaid for personal care services they did not actually provide.
The Walkers, while claiming to be personal care attendants providing services such as dressing, mealpreparation, and housekeeping to Rebecca's parent, a Medicaid recipient, did not render services and left the victim in abhorrent, dangerous, and progressively worsening conditions.
"No Missourian, especially our most vulnerable, should be forced to endure filth, neglect, or danger because someone decided to game the system," said Attorney General Hanaway. "It is absolutely disgusting and heartbreaking to see this kind of fraud happen every day in Missouri. It's my office's priority to root these abuses out on behalf of taxpayers."
The Walkers intended to conceal that they were paid to "take care" of the victim. During the entire time that the Walkers claimed to have provided service to the victim, they falsely stated that the victim and the victim's spouse were residing with them at a different address. One witness who saw the living conditions in the victim's apartment said they "could not believe" that Douglaz provided services and questioned whether the Walkers ever entered the apartment to provide the victim with services.
On December 30, 2023, officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department conducted a wellness check at the victim's apartment. Police discovered the residence in deplorable conditions-including dog feces, trash, spoiled food, flies, and refuse-and found the victim on the bedroom floor, next to their deceased and decomposing spouse, incoherent and unable to ambulate. Emergency medical services transported the victim to Barnes-Jewish Center Hospital, where they died the following day.
While claiming to be the victim's personal care attendants, Rebecca submitted false time records for 119 dates of service, and Douglaz submitted false time records for 238 dates of service. This caused Missouri Medicaid to be falsely billed for $27,937.76 for services not provided as claimed. Missouri Medicaid's Consumer-Directed Personal Care Program allows eligible Medicaid recipients to hire a personal care attendant to provide personal care services for them in their home.
Rebecca Walker and Douglaz Walker are each charged with two counts of False Statement to Receive a Health Care Payment and one count of Stealing by Deceit. All charges are class D felonies. If convicted, the Walkers could face fines, civil penalties, and up to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The Attorney General's Office reminds that the charges referenced are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
"Our mission is to protect Missouri's Medicaid program from fraud and abuse, ensuring that every dollar goes towards genuine care for those in need. These charges are a step towards justice and restoring integrity in our system," said Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Chief Counsel Arvids V. Petersons.
The case was investigated MFCU Investigator Josh King, following referral from the Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Special Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General John McKenzie and Lucas Chapman in coordination with Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson.
About the Missouri Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit:
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit's mission is twofold: first, to investigate and prosecute fraud committed by Medicaid providers who unlawfully divert taxpayer dollars, and second, to hold accountable those who commit abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation in Medicaid-funded facilities. This Unit demonstrates the Attorney General's commitment to protecting vulnerable Missourians and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. The office is proud to be home to some of the state's most skilled prosecutors and investigators. Attorneys interested in joining this tradition of excellence and public service are encouraged to explore current opportunities at https://ago.mo.gov/about-us/job-opportunities/.
The Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $3,551,892.00 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $1,183,960.00 for FY 2026, is funded by Missouri.
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Original text here: https://ago.mo.gov/attorney-general-hanaway-charges-st-louis-fraudsters-for-medicaid-scam/
Attorney General Bonta Opposes Barriers to Legal Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers
SACRAMENTO, California, April 27 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Opposes Barriers to Legal Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers
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Defends California's workforce, economy, and immigrant communities
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Bonta last week led a multistate comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposed rule that would modify filing and eligibility requirements for individuals seeking Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) based on a pending asylum application. Among other
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, April 27 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Opposes Barriers to Legal Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers
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Defends California's workforce, economy, and immigrant communities
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Bonta last week led a multistate comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposed rule that would modify filing and eligibility requirements for individuals seeking Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) based on a pending asylum application. Among otherthings, the rule would effectively pause EAD application processing indefinitely for asylum seekers. In the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta urges DHS to forego the proposed rulemaking because it will leave applicants vulnerable to exploitation and without the appropriate authorization documents that enable asylum seekers to support themselves and safely contribute to California's economy.
"Asylum seekers need a fair and efficient system that allows them to work legally while they await decisions on their applications for asylum, which will allow them to contribute to our communities and build lives," said Attorney General Bonta. "I am committed to defending and empowering immigrants to support their families and help our communities thrive, while protecting California's economic and humanitarian interests from unjustified obstacles created by the Trump Administration. Once again, the federal government has taken drastic measures -indefinitely pausing critical legal work authorizations for asylum seekers that will have serious consequences. I strongly oppose this proposed rule."
DHS's proposed rule would increase the waiting period for asylum seekers to apply for EADs from six months to one year. After the one-year waiting period, adjudication times for initial applications could expand from 30 days to up to 180 days. Most significantly, the rule would pause the acceptance of all new EAD applications for asylum seekers while DHS' asylum application processing time exceeds 180 days -something DHS estimates could last for decades -effectively suspending asylum seekers' access to work authorization indefinitely. The impact of this rule will be devastating for those seeking asylum who will be unable to work lawfully and support their families while their asylum applications are pending. This will inevitably lead to various workforce problems and general economic instability, with lost compensation to asylum seekers up to $126.6 billion annually.
In the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition assert the proposed rule:
* Will harm immigrant workers by negatively impacting their physical and mental health, food security, ability to secure stable housing, access to employer-sponsored health insurance and legal services, and forcing many into dangerous and exploitative work situations.
* Will harm California and other states by decreasing tax revenue and the spending power of residents, increasing healthcare costs, increasing the burden on state-funded nonprofits, and increasing law enforcement challenges.
* Is arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act because DHS's reasoning is contrary to evidence and fails to consider the harmful effects and scope of impact.
In filing the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-opposes-barriers-legal-work-authorization-asylum-seekers
Attorney General Bonta Opposes Barriers to Legal Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers
SACRAMENTO, California, April 27 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Opposes Barriers to Legal Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers
*
Defends California's workforce, economy, and immigrant communities
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Bonta last week led a multistate comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposed rule that would modify filing and eligibility requirements for individuals seeking Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) based on a pending asylum application. Among other
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, April 27 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Bonta Opposes Barriers to Legal Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers
*
Defends California's workforce, economy, and immigrant communities
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Bonta last week led a multistate comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposed rule that would modify filing and eligibility requirements for individuals seeking Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) based on a pending asylum application. Among otherthings, the rule would effectively pause EAD application processing indefinitely for asylum seekers. In the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta urges DHS to forego the proposed rulemaking because it will leave applicants vulnerable to exploitation and without the appropriate authorization documents that enable asylum seekers to support themselves and safely contribute to California's economy.
"Asylum seekers need a fair and efficient system that allows them to work legally while they await decisions on their applications for asylum, which will allow them to contribute to our communities and build lives," said Attorney General Bonta. "I am committed to defending and empowering immigrants to support their families and help our communities thrive, while protecting California's economic and humanitarian interests from unjustified obstacles created by the Trump Administration. Once again, the federal government has taken drastic measures -indefinitely pausing critical legal work authorizations for asylum seekers that will have serious consequences. I strongly oppose this proposed rule."
DHS's proposed rule would increase the waiting period for asylum seekers to apply for EADs from six months to one year. After the one-year waiting period, adjudication times for initial applications could expand from 30 days to up to 180 days. Most significantly, the rule would pause the acceptance of all new EAD applications for asylum seekers while DHS' asylum application processing time exceeds 180 days -something DHS estimates could last for decades -effectively suspending asylum seekers' access to work authorization indefinitely. The impact of this rule will be devastating for those seeking asylum who will be unable to work lawfully and support their families while their asylum applications are pending. This will inevitably lead to various workforce problems and general economic instability, with lost compensation to asylum seekers up to $126.6 billion annually.
In the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition assert the proposed rule:
* Will harm immigrant workers by negatively impacting their physical and mental health, food security, ability to secure stable housing, access to employer-sponsored health insurance and legal services, and forcing many into dangerous and exploitative work situations.
* Will harm California and other states by decreasing tax revenue and the spending power of residents, increasing healthcare costs, increasing the burden on state-funded nonprofits, and increasing law enforcement challenges.
* Is arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act because DHS's reasoning is contrary to evidence and fails to consider the harmful effects and scope of impact.
In filing the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-opposes-barriers-legal-work-authorization-asylum-seekers
Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Victory in the U.S. Supreme Court to Successfully Defend Texas's Big Beautiful Map for 2026 Elections
AUSTIN, Texas, April 27 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Victory in the U.S. Supreme Court to Successfully Defend Texas's Big Beautiful Map for 2026 Elections
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Attorney General Ken Paxton has yet again successfully defended Texas's Big Beautiful Map in the U.S. Supreme Court.
After a district court enjoined the use of Texas's congressional map, Attorney General Paxton appealed that ruling and secured an emergency stay of the lower court's decision. The U.S. Supreme Court has now granted summary reversal, completely
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, April 27 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Victory in the U.S. Supreme Court to Successfully Defend Texas's Big Beautiful Map for 2026 Elections
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Attorney General Ken Paxton has yet again successfully defended Texas's Big Beautiful Map in the U.S. Supreme Court.
After a district court enjoined the use of Texas's congressional map, Attorney General Paxton appealed that ruling and secured an emergency stay of the lower court's decision. The U.S. Supreme Court has now granted summary reversal, completelyreversed the lower court's decision, and allowed the congressional map signed into law in August to remain in effect for the 2026 midterms.
"Radical left-wing groups attempted to sabotage Texas's lawful redistricting efforts, but the Supreme Court's ruling is a clear rejection of these meritless attacks and a victory for the rule of law," said Attorney General Paxton. "Texas's congressional map is lawful, constitutional, and reflects the will of our citizens, and I will continue to aggressively defend its use ahead of the 2026 midterm elections."
To read the order, click here (https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/SCOTUS%20SR.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-secures-victory-us-supreme-court-successfully-defend-texass-big
Attorney General Alan Wilson touts two major victories in defense of religious liberty
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, April 27 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
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Attorney General Alan Wilson touts two major victories in defense of religious liberty
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(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson celebrates significant wins for religious liberty in two cases in which he joined two multistate coalitions to support the religious liberty claims.
In the first case, Attorney General Wilson joined a brief in December of 2025 supporting Catholic preschools in Colorado who had been barred from receiving universal pre-K funds.
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, April 27 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
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Attorney General Alan Wilson touts two major victories in defense of religious liberty
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(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson celebrates significant wins for religious liberty in two cases in which he joined two multistate coalitions to support the religious liberty claims.
In the first case, Attorney General Wilson joined a brief in December of 2025 supporting Catholic preschools in Colorado who had been barred from receiving universal pre-K funds.Those funds were withheld because of the school's religious beliefs about sex and their admission of only families that support the school's beliefs.
The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, and it will be placed on the Court's docket.
"No State has the right to deny religious families from a universal funding program," Attorney General Wilson stated. "This is another victory for common sense and individual liberty. Deeply held beliefs should not be punished, especially just because they do not align with woke ideology."
The second brief was filed in support of the Alamo Heights Independent School District in Texas. Texas has a law (S.B. 10) that requires public schools to display a copy of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
The plaintiffs in this case argued that the law was an establishment of religion and that the law also burdens religious exercise by coercing children to revere the Commandments. However, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Texas law does not violate the Establishment Clause, nor does it burden the right of individuals to worship as they wish.
"The Ten Commandments are displayed at the U.S. Supreme Court and other prominent buildings across our nation," Attorney General Wilson said. "Our country was founded on Christian principles, and this is a good step in promoting a better understanding of our nation's history."
You can read the brief supporting St. Mary Catholic Parish here.
You can read the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision here.
***
Original text here: https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/attorney-general-alan-wilson-touts-two-major-victories-in-defense-of-religious-liberty/
AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Arrests Slidell Couple for Defrauding Louisiana's Medicaid Program of Nearly $135,000
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, April 27 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Arrests Slidell Couple for Defrauding Louisiana's Medicaid Program of Nearly $135,000
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Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) arrested a Slidell couple for defrauding Louisiana's Medicaid program of nearly $135,000.
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) received a criminal referral from Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regarding allegations that Phuc and Tran Pham, of Marais River Drive in Slidell,
... Show Full Article
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, April 27 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Arrests Slidell Couple for Defrauding Louisiana's Medicaid Program of Nearly $135,000
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Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) arrested a Slidell couple for defrauding Louisiana's Medicaid program of nearly $135,000.
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) received a criminal referral from Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regarding allegations that Phuc and Tran Pham, of Marais River Drive in Slidell,both Medicaid recipients, had intentionally underreported their income for purposes to receive Medicaid benefits.
During this investigation, LBI agents learned that in the period between March 2022 and August 2025, Phuc and Tran Pham presented false information by failing to accurately report their marital status and true household income. As a result, the Pham's defrauded the Medicaid program of nearly $135,000.
On Thursday, April 23rd, LBI agents arrested Phuc Pham and Tran Pham pursuant to arrest warrants issued by the 19th Judicial District Court on charges of Government Benefits Fraud and Filing False Public Records.
36-year-old Phuc Pham was charged with:
* L.R.S. 14:70.9 Government Benefits Fraud (two counts)
* L.R.S. 14:133 Filing False Public Records (one count)
34-year-old Tran Pham was charged with:
* L.R.S. 14:70.9 Government Benefits Fraud (three counts)
* L.R.S. 14:133 Filing False Public Records (one count)
"Defrauding Medicaid is stealing from the hardworking taxpayers of our state. If you lie to obtain benefits, you're going to jail," said Attorney General Murrill.
The couple was booked without incident at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Their bond information is unknown.
The investigation continues.
Phuc Pham (above)
Tran Pham (above)
*All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
***
Original text here: https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/503
AG Brown sues Albertsons, Safeway, and Haggen for deceptive 'buy one get one free' deals
OLYMPIA, Washington, April 27 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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AG Brown sues Albertsons, Safeway, and Haggen for deceptive 'buy one get one free' deals
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The corporate owner of Safeway, Albertsons, and Haggen grocery stores has overcharged Washington consumers in more than 3 million transactions over a five-year period through deceptive "buy one get one free" deals, Attorney General Nick Brown argues in a new consumer protection lawsuit filed today.
Boise-based Albertsons Companies, one of the largest grocery store chains in the country,
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, April 27 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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AG Brown sues Albertsons, Safeway, and Haggen for deceptive 'buy one get one free' deals
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The corporate owner of Safeway, Albertsons, and Haggen grocery stores has overcharged Washington consumers in more than 3 million transactions over a five-year period through deceptive "buy one get one free" deals, Attorney General Nick Brown argues in a new consumer protection lawsuit filed today.
Boise-based Albertsons Companies, one of the largest grocery store chains in the country,owns and operates all Safeway, Albertsons, and Haggen grocery stores in Washington, totaling 225 retail grocery stores across the state.
The grocery stores entice consumers through "buy one get one free" (BOGO) promotions on staples such as bread, cereal, fresh produce, and olive oil. According to the complaint filed in King County Superior Court, the stores artificially hike prices of products slated for the supposed specials in the weeks or months leading up to a "buy one get one free" promotion, overcharging customers who purchase in the interim. Then they lower the prices within about 30 days after the deal is over. The net result is that consumers think they're getting a second item free, but in practice, they're just paying an inflated price for the first item.
For example, a Gig Harbor Albertsons hiked the price of a bottle of olive oil to $10.99 for the BOGO promotion from $6.99 a week earlier, an increase of 57%. After the "buy one get one free" deal ended, the store dropped the price back down to $6.99.
"We're not going to stand for people getting fleeced by these deceptive practices," Brown said. "That's why we've filed this case. We want to make sure we're protecting people's pocketbooks, and we all know that affordability is a major issue these days. We've got to push back when companies are misleading their customers."
From October 2019 to May 2024, the defendants overcharged Washington consumers on more than 3 million transactions, the lawsuit says. The stores brought in as much as $19.7 million by attracting consumers into their stores with these deceptive deals.
This is not the first time the defendants have been accused of unfair and deceptive BOGO promotions in stores in the Pacific Northwest. Albertsons paid $107 million to settle a 2016 class action lawsuit related to misleading "buy one get one free" deals in Oregon stores. The companies also settled a proposed class action case filed in 2023 in federal court related to deceptive BOGO promotions in Washington stores.
The Attorney General's Office (AGO) alleges the defendants violated the state's Consumer Protection Act by:
* Engaging in unfair and deceptive acts or practices by artificially increasing the pre-BOGO price of items and then lowering the price shortly after the promotion ends
* Misrepresenting prices and thereby engaging in an unfair method of competition
Brown is asking the court to rule that the stores' conduct violates state law, stop the defendants' use of unfair and deceptive BOGO promotions, provide restitution to Washington consumers, and pay civil penalties for each violation of state law as well as pre-judgment interest.
Assistant Attorneys General Bob Hyde and Shana Emile and Paralegals Judy Lim and Michelle Paules are handling the case for Washington.
A copy of the complaint is available here.
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Washington's Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state's largest law firm, the Attorney General's Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington's 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Media Contact:
Email: press@atg.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 753-2727
General contacts: Click here
Media Resource Guide & Attorney General's Office FAQ
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Original text here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-brown-sues-albertsons-safeway-and-haggen-deceptive-buy-one-get-one-free-deals
Action Taken by Governor Phil Scott on Legislation - April 27, 2026
MONTPELIER, Vermont, April 27 -- Gov. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, issued the following news release:
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Action Taken by Governor Phil Scott on Legislation - April 27, 2026
Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bills, passed by the General Assembly.
On April 27, Governor Scott signed bills of the following titles:
* H.237, An act relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists
* H.508, An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the City of Burlington
* H.549, An act relating to eligibility of sentenced or detained individuals to obtain a State-issued
... Show Full Article
MONTPELIER, Vermont, April 27 -- Gov. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, issued the following news release:
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Action Taken by Governor Phil Scott on Legislation - April 27, 2026
Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bills, passed by the General Assembly.
On April 27, Governor Scott signed bills of the following titles:
* H.237, An act relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists
* H.508, An act relating to approval of amendments to the charter of the City of Burlington
* H.549, An act relating to eligibility of sentenced or detained individuals to obtain a State-issuednondriver identification card, replacement operator's license, or replacement learner's permit
* H.744, An act relating to procedures for release after arrest
* H.917, An act relating to military affairs
When signing H.237, Governor Scott sent the following letter to the General Assembly :
Dear Legislators:
Today I signed H.237, an act relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists.
I support the idea of expanding the scope of doctoral-level psychologist licensing to increase access to care. Mental health, like physical health, is an area where the need outpaces the number of available qualified providers. So, we must try creative approaches to address the issues of access and cost Vermonters face in our current health care system.
I appreciate the safeguards this bill puts in place with additional training requirements and the requirement for prescribing psychologists to work with collaborating psychiatrists to ensure clinical safety and accountability. However, it's unfortunate the experts at the Department of Mental Health, who could have shared important perspectives on public health and safety, were not asked to testify on H.237 prior to passage. I urge the Board of Psychological Examiners to consult closely with the Department of Mental Health regarding rulemaking.
I also advise adding a report on the status of this effort in 2030 and 2031 as well as the single statutory date of 2032; and adding an assessment of clinical and health outcomes for patients treated by doctoral-level psychologists as a component of the review for an update to necessary qualifications.
Alternatively, the Legislature should revisit this bill and address these important considerations.
Sincerely,
/s/
Philip B. Scott
Governor
On April 27, Governor Scott allowed H.849, An act relating to a civil action for damages for deprivation of federal constitutional rights by any government official to become law without his signature and sent a letter to the General Assembly :
Dear Ms. Wrask:
Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, H.849, an act relating to civil action for damages for deprivation of federal constitutional rights by any government official, will become law without my signature.
While I feel it's important to preserve and protect the Constitutional rights of all Americans and appreciate this bill seeks to hold government officials accountable in state court when a remedy may not be available under federal law, I'm concerned about the constitutionality of this policy and other well-intentioned proposals, which may give Vermonters false hope.
Having said that, the Attorney General has advised they feel the bill is defensible, so I'm allowing it to become law without signature, and we'll see if this, and similar measures enacted in other states hold up in court.
Sincerely,
Philip B. Scott
Governor
To view a complete list of action on bills passed during the 2026 legislative session, click here (https://governor.vermont.gov/governor-scotts-blog/action-taken-governor-scott-bills-during-2026legislative-session).
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Original text here: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/action-taken-governor-phil-scott-legislation-april-27-2026
