States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
West Virginia Attorney General Sues Apple for Role in Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Feb. 20 -- The West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
West Virginia Attorney General Sues Apple for Role in Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material
First-of-its-kind government lawsuit targets tech giant's failure to detect and report CSAM on iCloud
*
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey today filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc., alleging the company knowingly allowed its iCloud platform to be used as a vehicle for distributing and storing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) -- and for years
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Feb. 20 -- The West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
West Virginia Attorney General Sues Apple for Role in Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material
First-of-its-kind government lawsuit targets tech giant's failure to detect and report CSAM on iCloud
*
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey today filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc., alleging the company knowingly allowed its iCloud platform to be used as a vehicle for distributing and storing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) -- and for yearschose to do nothing about it.
"Preserving the privacy of child predators is absolutely inexcusable. And more importantly, it violates West Virginia law. Since Apple has so far refused to police themselves and do the morally right thing, I am filing this lawsuit to demand Apple follow the law, report these images, and stop re-victimizing children by allowing these images to be stored and shared," Attorney General JB McCuskey said.
The lawsuit reveals that Apple, in its own internal communications, described itself as the "greatest platform for distributing child porn" -- yet took no meaningful action to stop it. Rather than implement industry-standard detection tools used by its peers, Apple repeatedly shirked their responsibility to protect children under the guise of user privacy.
Federal law requires all technology companies based in the U.S. to report detected CSAM to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). In 2023, Apple made just 267 such reports. By contrast, Google filed 1.47 million reports and Meta filed more than 30.6 million. Apple's failure to deploy available detection technology is not a passive oversight -- it is a choice.
The complaint argues that because Apple maintains end-to-end control over its hardware, software, and cloud infrastructure, it cannot claim to be an unknowing, passive conduit of CSAM. Apple designed, built, and profited from the very system it allowed to be weaponized against children.
The consumer protection complaint, filed in the Circuit Court of Mason County, is the first lawsuit of its kind brought by a governmental agency against Apple over CSAM distribution.
The West Virginia Attorney General's Office is seeking statutory and punitive damages, injunctive relief requiring Apple to implement effective CSAM detection measures, and equitable remedies mandating safer product design going forward.
Read the lawsuit here (https://ago.wv.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/Filing.pdf).
View the press conference here (https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1166383129).
* * *
Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov/article/west-virginia-attorney-general-sues-apple-role-distribution-child-sexual-abuse-material
Okla. A.G. Drummond Demands Answers From YouTube Over Alleged Censorship of Conservative Voices
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 20 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
Drummond demands answers from YouTube over alleged censorship of conservative voices
Attorney General Gentner Drummond wants answers from YouTube and its parent company, Alphabet Inc., regarding concerns that politically conservative voices may have been unfairly suppressed on the platform.
Drummond and 15 state attorneys general sent a letter to Alphabet requesting detailed information about YouTube's content moderation practices and whether creators were
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 20 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
Drummond demands answers from YouTube over alleged censorship of conservative voices
Attorney General Gentner Drummond wants answers from YouTube and its parent company, Alphabet Inc., regarding concerns that politically conservative voices may have been unfairly suppressed on the platform.
Drummond and 15 state attorneys general sent a letter to Alphabet requesting detailed information about YouTube's content moderation practices and whether creators weresubjected to individualized or undisclosed actions, such as demonetization, reduced visibility or de-amplification. The request follows admissions by Alphabet to Congress in September 2025 that senior Biden administration officials pressed the company to moderate COVID-19-related content that did not violate company policies, raising broader concerns about viewpoint discrimination and transparency.
"Oklahomans deserve transparency and fairness from powerful technology platforms that shape public discourse," Drummond said. "When companies publicly claim to value free expression but privately suppress lawful speech, particularly on matters of public concern, that raises serious questions that demand answers."
In the letter, the attorneys general cite Alphabet's own testimony acknowledging sustained government pressure related to content moderation and question whether YouTube's actions aligned with its public commitments to protect free expression and treat creators even-handedly. The coalition is seeking information about whether content creators were flagged for individualized treatment, subjected to additional scrutiny or had their reach limited without notice. The inquiry also requests documents related to YouTube's treatment of several prominent conservative channels. The coalition has requested a response from Alphabet by April 16.
Drummond's participation reflects his commitment to protecting consumers from deceptive practices and ensuring that powerful corporations operate consistently and fairly.
Also signing the letter were the attorneys general of Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota and Texas.
Read the Letter (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/february/Multistate%20Youtube%20Letter%20-%20FINAL.pdf)
* * *
INFODOC: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/february/Multistate%20Youtube%20Letter%20-%20FINAL.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/february/drummond-demands-answers-from-youtube-over-alleged-censorship-of-conservative-voices.html
N.C. Health Dept.: North Carolina Awarded $75 Million to Support Child Care Facilities Following Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 20 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on Feb. 19. 2026:
* * *
North Carolina Awarded $75 Million to Support Child Care Facilities Following Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced it received $75.8 million from the Administration for Children & Families, Office of Child Care in American Relief Act Disaster Supplemental Funds for Child Care. These funds will support child care infrastructure recovery in areas affected by Hurricane
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 20 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on Feb. 19. 2026:
* * *
North Carolina Awarded $75 Million to Support Child Care Facilities Following Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced it received $75.8 million from the Administration for Children & Families, Office of Child Care in American Relief Act Disaster Supplemental Funds for Child Care. These funds will support child care infrastructure recovery in areas affected by HurricaneHelene and Tropical Storm Debby. More than 230 child care facilities were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and more than 100 child care facilities were impacted by Tropical Storm Debby.
"North Carolina families depend on having quality and affordable child care, so I thank US DHHS for awarding this funding to help them," said Governor Josh Stein. "When a natural disaster forces a child care center to close, people's lives are turned upside down. This federal funding will help providers rebuild, restore services, and ensure parents can get back to work knowing their children are safe and well cared for."
"Quality child care is a critical resource for families in North Carolina, ensuring children are learning while their parents are able to work," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "We are thankful for our federal partners who share in our commitment to long-term recovery efforts in areas hit hardest by these devastating storms, including to child care facilities."
"Child care providers are cornerstones of their communities, and many are still working to recover from the damage caused by Helene and Debby," said Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC). "Through close coordination with DHHS and local partners, GROW NC will work to ensure these federal dollars move quickly and strategically so providers can reopen and continue serving families who are counting on them."
The NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) collaborated with the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) and local and state partners to request federal funding for recovery efforts in September 2025. The funding will support the following child care recovery operations:
* Construction, major renovation, or alteration
* Materials, supplies, furnishings, vehicles, and equipment
* Other activities that build child care services in impacted areas
* Mental health consultation or services
* Quality improvement activities
"We are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of this funding opportunity through strategic planning, supports, and resources," said Candace Witherspoon, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education. "We remain focused on the needs of our early childhood education community and the families they serve."
Child care operators are encouraged to submit damage reports from Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby in the Disaster Impact Report Portal on the NCDHHS DCDEE website. The damage reports ask operators to share the impact of these storms and allow for supporting information to be uploaded. Disaster Supplemental Funds for Child Care may be used by NC to support disaster recovery, mitigation, and preparedness through September 30, 2030. NCDHHS will share more information regarding this award with child care operators who may be eligible to apply for these funds.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/02/19/north-carolina-awarded-75-million-support-child-care-facilities-following-hurricane-helene-and
ICYMI: General Assembly Passes Gov. Spanberger's Entire 'Affordable Virginia Agenda' Ahead of Crossover
RICHMOND, Virginia, Feb. 20 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:
* * *
ICYMI: General Assembly Passes Governor Spanberger's Entire "Affordable Virginia Agenda" Ahead of Crossover
One month into her term, Governor Abigail Spanberger remains laser-focused on working with the General Assembly to make the Commonwealth more affordable for Virginia families who are feeling squeezed by high costs.
The Virginia House of Delegates or Senate have now passed every bill in the "Affordable Virginia Agenda" announced in December by Governor Spanberger and General Assembly
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Feb. 20 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following news release:
* * *
ICYMI: General Assembly Passes Governor Spanberger's Entire "Affordable Virginia Agenda" Ahead of Crossover
One month into her term, Governor Abigail Spanberger remains laser-focused on working with the General Assembly to make the Commonwealth more affordable for Virginia families who are feeling squeezed by high costs.
The Virginia House of Delegates or Senate have now passed every bill in the "Affordable Virginia Agenda" announced in December by Governor Spanberger and General Assemblyleaders -- with more than half of bills passing with bipartisan support.
"Back in December, we announced the Affordable Virginia Agenda to make clear our overarching, unrelenting focus on making Virginia more affordable for all of our neighbors. Over the past few weeks, I've been encouraged to see so many of these proposals pass with broad support from across the political spectrum," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "High costs impact all Virginians -- regardless of their political affiliation. I will continue to work with legislators from both parties to find commonsense solutions to drive down costs for Virginia families, and I look forward to signing every piece of our Affordable Virginia Agenda into law."
Governor Spanberger is also using the full power of her office to lower costs for Virginians. On her first day as Governor, she signed executive orders to start building a stronger, more affordable future for all Virginians -- including by directing her cabinet secretaries and all executive branch agencies to quickly identify ways to reduce costs for families. Governor Spanberger also made clear in her first joint address to the General Assembly that she will work with anyone -- from either party -- to drive down costs.
See below for the full list of "Affordable Virginia Agenda" legislation passed by the Virginia House of Delegates or Senate:
* HB2 (Del. Carr), SB72 (Sen. Srinivasan) -- Reducing heating and energy costs for Virginians who need it most
* HB3 (Del. LeVere Bolling), SB5 (Sen. Locke) -- Establishing a Virginia Weatherization Task Force to improve energy efficiency
* HB4 (Del. Bennett-Parker) -- Empowering localities to preserve and protect the long-term availability of affordable housing
* HB15 (Del. Price), SB48 (Sen. Rouse) -- Improving protections for Virginia renters
* HB220 (Del. Hope), SB630 (Sen. Carroll Foy) -- Eliminating additional fees on healthcare premiums
* HB395 (Del. Krizek), SB250 (Sen. Surovell) -- Facilitate the adoption of portable small solar systems to lower energy costs
* HB434 (Del. LeVere Bolling), SB621 (Sen. Srinivasan) -- Optimizing grid utilization to get more out of the current distribution system
* HB527 (Del. McClure) SB628 (Sen. Locke) -- Keeping Virginians in their homes by expanding the Virginia Eviction Reduction Program pilot program
* HB736 (Del. Maldonado) -- Preventing costly delays in care by limiting prior authorizations
* HB815 (Del. Downey), SB405 (Sen. Lucas) -- Increasing access to quality, affordable care by investing in the healthcare workforce
* HB820 (Del. Helmer), SB490 (Sen. VanValkenburg) -- Creating a revolving loan fund for the production of mixed-income housing development
* HB830 (Del. Callsen), SB669 (Sen. Rouse) -- Stopping predatory middlemen from hiking up the cost of prescription drugs
* HB867 (Del. Cousins), SB74 (Sen. McPike) -- Giving every community the opportunity to adopt an affordable housing program
* HB892 (Del. Shin) -- Improving forecasting of power usage to avoid overestimates that cause higher prices
* HB895 (Del. Sullivan), SB448 (Sen. Bagby) -- Increasing the deployment of energy storage to lower peak prices for ratepayers
* HB1227 (Del. Thomas), SB729 (Sen. Jones) -- Leveraging the Commonwealth's bonding authority to support affordable housing
* * *
Original text here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/february-/name-1112861-en.html
Calif. Gov. Newsom Awards $107 Million to Prevent Gun Violence and Improve Community Safety Across State
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 20 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom awards $107 million to prevent gun violence and improve community safety across state
Stopping over 30,000 incidents of violence since 2019
What you need to know: Governor Newsom is announcing $107 million in violence prevention grants to 42 communities across California to prevent gun violence, bringing the state's total investment to more than $350 million since 2019.
*
With the most recent data showing that violent crime is down 12% in California's
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 20 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom awards $107 million to prevent gun violence and improve community safety across state
Stopping over 30,000 incidents of violence since 2019
What you need to know: Governor Newsom is announcing $107 million in violence prevention grants to 42 communities across California to prevent gun violence, bringing the state's total investment to more than $350 million since 2019.
*
With the most recent data showing that violent crime is down 12% in California'smajor cities, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that an additional $107 million is being awarded to communities to prevent gun violence and reduce crime. With 42 grants to cities, counties, community-based organizations, and tribal governments across California, this funding, known as the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Grant Program, will support proven, community-driven strategies to reduce shootings, homicides, and retaliatory violence.
* * *
Public safety is as much about prevention as it is about enforcing the law. CalVIP invests in people and neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by gun violence. We're supporting trusted community leaders who step in before a trigger is pulled -- interrupting cycles of harm, saving lives, and creating real pathways to opportunity.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
Enacted in 2019, the state's total investment for the CalVIP Program is more than $350 million, stopping more than 30,000 incidents of violence before they happened, as reported by grantees. In addition, these grants in total have helped more than 18,500 participants complete violence intervention programs.
This fifth round of funding that's being awarded supports programs that include trauma-informed intervention, credible messenger street outreach, wraparound services for families at risk, and intensive case management for youth and adults most impacted by violence.
Funding that matters
For the first time, CalVIP is largely funded through the Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act, using fees collected from firearm and ammunition retail sales -- up to the first $75 million annually -- to reinvest directly into the communities most affected by violence. This is the first cohort funded from the new funding source and the fifth cohort overall.
These efforts, which are administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), are not only reducing violence -- they are strengthening families, stabilizing neighborhoods, and helping individuals build safer, more productive futures.
"CalVIP funding is helping communities most affected by violence achieve measurable progress," said BSCC Board Chair Linda Penner. "Many are experiencing reductions in violent crime, while individuals are being supported in ways that foster positive life outcomes and build stronger neighborhoods, schools, and families."
Proven results
CalVIP has helped communities achieve measurable results:
* 18,679 participants successfully completed CalVIP-funded programs
* 30,230 incidents of violence were interrupted
* Thousands of individuals received job placement support, counseling, education services, and mentorship
The impact is measurable in reduced crime. Most recently, the Major Cities Chiefs Association put out its latest crime data, covering large cities in the US for all of 2025. Compared to 2024, violent crime across California cities was down 12%, with double-digit drops in homicide (18%) and robbery (19%).
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%).
Local impact across California
Previous grantees are again being awarded CalVIP funding to continue making positive impacts in their communities.
Los Angeles: Homeboy Industries engaged individuals at the highest risk of gun violence through intensive, evidence-based case management and paid work-therapy. During the fourth round of grant funding, Homeboy Industries has demonstrated how dignity, stability, and opportunity can drive long-term public safety:
* 582 successful program exits
* 1,125 positive participant outcomes, including employment gains and reduced high-risk behavior
"CalVIP funding affirms what we have always known at Homeboy Industries: that dignity is the foundation of public safety. By investing in those most impacted by violence, we interrupt harm at its roots and have helped contribute to some of the lowest violent crime rates our region has seen in decades," said Homeboy Industries Co-CEOs Shirley Torres and Steve Delgado. "Through paid work-therapy, trauma-informed care, and leadership from people with lived experience, we create pathways to stability, belonging, and contribution to the over 10,000 people who walk through our doors each year. We are grateful for the leadership of Gavin Newsom and our State Legislators for proving that prevention works -- and that compassion and accountability can move together."
Stockton: The city's Office of Violence Prevention expanded its nationally recognized Operation Ceasefire model to youth ages 12-17 using CalVIP support. Stockton has directly served 568 high-risk youth and adults, strengthening focused deterrence, credible messenger outreach, and trauma-informed wraparound services. Stockton's efforts are improving the lives of its residents by empowering those who grew up around the gang culture to realize their potential and change their lives through the city's proactive Operation Ceasefire initiative.
"CalVIP funding is vital to sustaining and advancing Stockton's locally driven violence-prevention and gang-reduction efforts," said Stockton's Office of Violence Prevention Lora M. Larson. "With Cohort 5, we will build on this progress by increasing our reach and expanding school-based violence prevention, embedding violence prevention staff and support services directly on campuses to identify and intervene early with youth at elevated risk of victimization or involvement in violence."
Richmond: CalVIP funding has been integral to the success of the city's Office of Neighborhood Safety programs, including the Street Resource and Outreach strategic initiative. Through their Peacemaker Fellowship, Richmond has helped change the lives of many participants. In fact, an evaluation of Richmond's Cohort 3 grant indicated a variety of successful outcomes through its innovative program, including the development of prosocial behaviors in the 396 youth they served, including the furtherance of critical conflict resolution skills. And, as a Cohort 4 grantee, the city reported 86 successful program participants with 262 episodes of violence interrupted.
"The City of Richmond has been a recipient of CalVIP since 2007. This long-term investment from the state has been crucial in our city's strategy to reduce gun violence and related injuries and deaths," said Richmond's Office of Neighborhood Safety Deputy Director Sam Vaughn. "In 2007 the City of Richmond recorded 47 homicides and 242 shootings with a surviving victim. Last year we had 5 homicides and 32 shootings with a surviving victim. That was the lowest amount of homicides Richmond has seen since we started keeping records. Sustainable funding is critical to this work being successful and CalVIP's continued support and belief in the work being done in Richmond proves just that."
Bakersfield: Through partnerships with community-based organizations, the city of Bakersfield's Office of Violence Prevention has partnered with several community-based organizations and other agencies to positively impact their community through mentoring, gang intervention, outreach, mental health services, and other coordinated responses. An evaluation of their Cohort 3 grant highlighted their program's successful approach, and the impact was clear -- the city, once plagued by some of the highest homicide rates in the state, reported a 57% drop in homicides and 60% fewer shootings in 2024.
"The CalVIP program has made Bakersfield a safer community. Through the work of prior grant awards, we saw a 70% reduction in shootings and homicides," said Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg. "With that foundation in place, this new cohort will not only allow our community partners to enhance this critical work but also allow our research partners to inform the field on best practices that correlate to both community-wide reductions and individual client outcomes. The CalVIP program is advancing best practices that can benefit all communities."
CalVIP was established in 2017 and strengthened by Assembly Bill 762 (2023). The program reflects California's public health approach to violence prevention -- recognizing that lasting safety comes from addressing trauma, economic instability, and cycles of retaliation before they escalate.
A full list of award recipients is available here (https://www.bscc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Attachment-F-2-CalVIP-Funding-Recommendations_Final.pdf).
Investing in California's public safety
While Republicans in Congress pushed their "big beautiful betrayal" bill, cutting funding to vital public safety programs, California demonstrated what real public safety looks like: serious investments, strong enforcement, and real results. California has invested $2.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, 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 the state adapt to evolving criminal tactics, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
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.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/19/governor-newsom-awards-107-million-to-prevent-gun-violence-and-improve-community-safety-across-state/
Arizona Legislature Files U.S. Supreme Court Appeal to Defend Proof-of-Citizenship Voting Law
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 20 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
Arizona Legislature Files U.S. Supreme Court Appeal to Defend Proof-of-Citizenship Voting Law
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Arizona's proof-of-citizenship voting case today, formally requesting the nation's highest court review a Ninth Circuit ruling that blocked requirements ensuring only eligible citizens can register to vote using the state's voter registration form.
The request, known as a petition for a
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 20 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
Arizona Legislature Files U.S. Supreme Court Appeal to Defend Proof-of-Citizenship Voting Law
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Arizona's proof-of-citizenship voting case today, formally requesting the nation's highest court review a Ninth Circuit ruling that blocked requirements ensuring only eligible citizens can register to vote using the state's voter registration form.
The request, known as a petition for awrit of certiorari, asks the Supreme Court to overturn a divided Ninth Circuit decision that partially invalidated Arizona laws requiring documentary proof of citizenship and residency for voters using the state's registration form and restricting mail-in voting for registrants who have not verified citizenship. The ruling expands federal authority over elections while limiting states' constitutional role in safeguarding voter eligibility.
"For more than two decades, Arizona has required proof of citizenship to register to vote, because only American citizens should decide American elections," said President Petersen. "The Ninth Circuit ignored Supreme Court precedent, rewrote federal law, and substituted its judgment for that of Arizona voters and their elected representatives. We are asking the Supreme Court to restore the proper balance between federal and state authority and reaffirm Arizona's right to protect the integrity of its elections."
The petition challenges a ruling in Mi Familia Vota v. Petersen, litigation brought by activist groups opposing election reforms adopted by the Arizona Legislature in 2022. Those reforms strengthened verification requirements for voter registration, required election officials to check government databases to identify potential non-citizens or non-residents on voter rolls, and limited voting by mail for individuals who have not provided proof of citizenship.
According to the petition, the Ninth Circuit's decision conflicts directly with prior U.S. Supreme Court precedent recognizing that states may require additional information, including proof of citizenship, on their own voter registration forms. The appeal also argues the court improperly relied on a years-old consent decree negotiated by a former Secretary of State to block laws enacted later by the Legislature, raising significant separation-of-powers concerns.
The filing further warns that the ruling dramatically expands the scope of the National Voter Registration Act by applying it beyond voter registration procedures to regulate how ballots are distributed and returned, an interpretation lawmakers argue Congress never authorized.
The petition notes that eleven Ninth Circuit judges dissented from the court's refusal to rehear the case, calling the panel opinion "profoundly wrong" and warning it undermines federalism and the constitutional authority of state legislatures.
Arizona lawmakers are seeking clarity from the Supreme Court on the limits of federal election law and reaffirmation that states retain authority to verify voter eligibility and maintain accurate voter rolls.
"This case is about whether states still have the power to enforce commonsense safeguards to ensure only eligible voters participate in our elections," said President Petersen. "Arizona is standing up not just for our state, but for every state's constitutional authority to secure its own elections."
The U.S. Supreme Court will now decide whether to hear the case.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/arizona-legislature-files-us-supreme-court-appeal-to-defend-proof-of-citizenship-voting-law
Ariz. State Rep. Selina Bliss' HB 2080 Passes House Government Committee to Crack Down on Deed Fraud
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 20 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
Rep. Selina Bliss' HB 2080 Passes House Government Committee to Crack Down on Deed Fraud
Unanimous bipartisan vote advances photo ID checks, owner alerts, tougher penalties, and stronger notary safeguards
*
State Representative Selina Bliss, Chairman of the Arizona House Health and Human Services Committee, announced today that House Bill 2080 passed the House Government Committee unanimously with bipartisan support. The bill targets deed and title fraud for homeowners and businesses
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 20 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
* * *
Rep. Selina Bliss' HB 2080 Passes House Government Committee to Crack Down on Deed Fraud
Unanimous bipartisan vote advances photo ID checks, owner alerts, tougher penalties, and stronger notary safeguards
*
State Representative Selina Bliss, Chairman of the Arizona House Health and Human Services Committee, announced today that House Bill 2080 passed the House Government Committee unanimously with bipartisan support. The bill targets deed and title fraud for homeowners and businessesby requiring photo ID for in-person recordings, adding opt-in property owner alerts, strengthening notary safeguards, and increasing penalties for filing forged or fraudulent real estate documents.
"Deed fraud is a direct attack on a person's home, their savings, and the work of a lifetime," said Representative Selina Bliss. "HB 2080 adds clear identity checks when documents are recorded in person, keeps private ID information out of public view, and gives property owners an early warning when ownership or mailing records change. It also raises the consequences for filing forged real estate documents and strengthens notary safeguards that deter impersonation. This bill protects homeowners and puts criminals on notice."
HB 2080 requires anyone recording documents in person at a county recorder's office or recording kiosk to present valid photo identification. The requirement does not apply to documents submitted by escrow and title professionals, banks and credit unions, Arizona attorneys, or government entities. County recorders may not keep a copy of the identification, and any limited ID information recorded for the transaction is confidential and not subject to public records requests.
HB 2080 also directs county assessors to establish a voluntary opt-in notification system by January 1, 2027, to alert participating property owners when the assessor receives notice of a change in ownership or a change to the owner's mailing address. The bill expands affidavit of legal value information by requiring buyer and seller phone numbers and allowing additional contact information, including email addresses.
Finally, HB 2080 increases the criminal penalty for knowingly submitting a false claim or forgery involving real property from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 4 felony. The bill also requires notaries to capture a signer's thumbprint, or another available fingerprint when necessary, in the notary journal for specified real-property documents and powers of attorney, with limited exceptions.
HB 2080 now heads toward a full vote of the House.
* * *
Selina Bliss is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives, serving Legislative District 1 in Yavapai County, and Chairman of the House Health and Human Services Committee. Follow her on X at @SelinaBliss.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260219BLISSHB2080.pdf
