States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
S.D. A.G. Jackley Announces Major March Accomplishments by AG's Criminal Division
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 26 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 25, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Major March Accomplishments by AG's Criminal Division
Attorney General Marty Jackley announces significant accomplishments by the Attorney General's Criminal Division throughout the month of March, highlighting a series of major jury trials, homicide verdicts, and statewide collaboration among prosecutors and law enforcement.
"This has been an extraordinary month of trial work across South Dakota," said Attorney General Jackley.
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PIERRE, South Dakota, March 26 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 25, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Major March Accomplishments by AG's Criminal Division
Attorney General Marty Jackley announces significant accomplishments by the Attorney General's Criminal Division throughout the month of March, highlighting a series of major jury trials, homicide verdicts, and statewide collaboration among prosecutors and law enforcement.
"This has been an extraordinary month of trial work across South Dakota," said Attorney General Jackley."Our Criminal Division has taken on multiple complex and violent crime prosecutions at once, delivering justice for victims while demonstrating exceptional professionalism and teamwork."
Throughout March, the Division managed several high stakes jury trials simultaneously, including:
Pennington County Double Homicide
A two week jury trial resulted in convictions for all three defendants responsible for the double murder. Sentencing was imposed March 13, with Montell Olivera receiving three life sentences, and co defendants Dillon Wilson and Erin Provancial each receiving life sentences. This case was one of the most significant homicide prosecutions handled by the Division in recent years and required extensive coordination across offices.
Minnehaha County Penitentiary Violence
On March 12, a jury convicted Jeremiah Hart of two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of First Degree Robbery related to a stabbing and robbery inside the penitentiary. Sentencing will proceed following completion of the Pre-Sentence Investigation.
Union County Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
On March 18, a jury convicted Samir Albaidhani of seven felony counts, including three counts of Attempted First Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, three counts of Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer, and Aggravated Eluding. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1.
Turner County Triple Homicide Trial
On March 20, a jury convicted Jay Ostrem of three counts of First Degree Murder that occurred in Centerville. Sentencing is scheduled for May 14.
"Managing a statewide trial schedule of this magnitude takes a deep bench, strong preparation, and unwavering teamwork. I am grateful for the office's attorneys and staff across divisions who stepped in to support one another and ensure that every case received the attention it deserved," Jackley said.
The Attorney General also noted that this month's results reflect the Division's commitment to protecting South Dakota communities and delivering justice for victims and law enforcement.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3041
Pa. Revenue Dept.: Shapiro Administration Encourages PA Employers to Help Their Employees With Child Care, Education Expenses by Taking Advantage of Tax Credits
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 26 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Encourages PA Employers to Help their Employees with Child Care, Education Expenses by Taking Advantage of Tax Credits
The Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit and the 529 Savings Account Employer Matching Contribution Tax Credit are available to help Pennsylvania employers support their workers and strengthen employee retention.
Both programs build on Governor Josh Shapiro's work to lower costs and provide tax relief to Pennsylvanians. The Governor has
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 26 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Encourages PA Employers to Help their Employees with Child Care, Education Expenses by Taking Advantage of Tax Credits
The Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit and the 529 Savings Account Employer Matching Contribution Tax Credit are available to help Pennsylvania employers support their workers and strengthen employee retention.
Both programs build on Governor Josh Shapiro's work to lower costs and provide tax relief to Pennsylvanians. The Governor hascut taxes seven times since taking office.
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The Shapiro Administration is encouraging Pennsylvania employers to take advantage of two tax credit programs that can provide a meaningful way for employers to support their employees. The programs offer employers a break on their state taxes when they provide their employees with qualifying financial support to cover child care, educational costs, and expenses related to a disability.
The Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit and the 529 Savings Account Employer Matching Contribution Tax Credit are two programs that are now being offered in Pennsylvania thanks to legislation that was signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro. Both are designed to encourage PA employers to provide support to their employees at a time when rising costs are a major concern for many families across Pennsylvania. The Governor has made cutting taxes and lowering costs for Pennsylvanians a top priority -- cutting taxes seven times since taking office and putting money back in the pockets of seniors, families, and businesses.
"From the day he took office, Governor Shapiro has been working to create a more affordable Pennsylvania for hardworking Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth. Business owners can play an important role in this effort and support their employees by participating in these tax credit programs," said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. "We strongly encourage all qualified business owners to map out a plan to take advantage of these programs. They both create a win-win scenario where employers can support their workers and create competitive employment packages while also taking advantage of tax benefits."
How the Programs Work
The Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Program encourages Pennsylvania businesses to support their employees who have children in eligible child care or early learning programs. Employers can receive a tax credit equal to 30% of their employees' eligible child care costs (with a maximum annual contribution of $500 per employee).
Meanwhile, the 529 Savings Account Employer Matching Contribution Tax Credit gives employers the opportunity to support their employees who may be saving for education or disability-related expenses. The program offers a tax credit to employers who contribute matching funds to an employee's PA 529 account or PA ABLE account. The PA 529 program provides a tax advantaged way for families to save for education, from K-12 to college and career training programs. The PA ABLE program is a state-offered program that gives individuals with qualifying disabilities a tax-advantaged way to save or invest without impacting their government benefits.
For employers participating in the 529 Account Employer Matching Contribution Tax Credit, the tax credit is worth 25% of what the employer contributes (with a maximum annual contribution of $500 per employee).
In order to qualify for either program, employers must:
* Be a Pennsylvania business subject to state taxes, such as Personal Income Tax, Corporate Net Income Tax, or other applicable business taxes.
* Employ at least one person and withhold PA income tax from wages.
* Offer the contribution benefit to all employees.
* Keep basic documentation, such as proof of contributions and signed opt-in/opt-out forms
* Be in good standing with state taxes.
How to Apply
Employers looking to take advantage of the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit and 529 Savings Account Employer Matching Contribution Tax Credit are required to keep records, such as bank statements and provider receipts, to confirm their contributions.
That documentation is submitted as part of their applications online through myPATH, the online tax system for the Department of Revenue. The annual application window opens on October 1 and closes on January 31 the following year. Employers looking to take advantage of either credit for the 2026 calendar year would submit their applications and supporting documentation within the 2026 application period starting October 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027.
Upon logging into myPATH, the applicant must select the link for the application, under the "Applications" tile. They'll then be guided through the step-by-step online application.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/newsroom/shapiro-administration-encourages-pa-employers-to-help-their-employees-with-child-care,-education-expenses-by-taking-advantage-of-tax-credits
N.Y. State Department of Transportation and Office of General Services Announce Opening of New Maintenance Complex in Broome County
ALBANY, New York, March 26 -- The New York State Department of Transportation issued the following news release on March 25, 2026:
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New York State Department of Transportation and Office of General Services Announce Opening of New Maintenance Complex in Broome County
State-of-the-Art Facility in Vestal Will Allow Equipment to Stay on the Road Longer, Strengthen Emergency Response, and Improve Efficiency of Operations
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New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez and State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced
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ALBANY, New York, March 26 -- The New York State Department of Transportation issued the following news release on March 25, 2026:
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New York State Department of Transportation and Office of General Services Announce Opening of New Maintenance Complex in Broome County
State-of-the-Art Facility in Vestal Will Allow Equipment to Stay on the Road Longer, Strengthen Emergency Response, and Improve Efficiency of Operations
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New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez and State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announcedthe opening of a new, $13.4 million maintenance complex along State Route 26 in Vestal that will better enable NYSDOT to respond to severe weather events and enhance safety for travelers in Broome County. The 15,000-square-foot facility provides NYSDOT with state-of-the-art maintenance capabilities and improved accommodations for workers, allowing crews and equipment to stay on the job longer and facilitating more efficient operations and speedier responses to emergency situations. The new complex was constructed in the footprint of the outdated, 1960s-era facility it replaced.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Keeping our transportation network operational, efficient and safe is critical to our core mission and what Governor Hochul means when she talks about public safety. At the NYS Department of Transportation our people are the heart and soul of all we do and our snow fighting and highway maintenance crews are the finest in the nation, which is why we are committed to giving them the resources and equipment they need to keep New Yorkers safe. This new facility in Vestal will ensure that our team has the support they need to maintain and operate our state highway transportation network year-round, and it will keep our plows and emergency response vehicles ready to go when severe weather strikes and New Yorkers need them the most."
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, "OGS is proud to deliver modern facilities that support DOT's critical work in maintaining the roads and infrastructure that millions of people use every day. The new Broome County facility reinforces Governor Hochul's commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe and exemplifies our agency's crucial role in the design and construction of reliable spaces for state government operations."
The Vestal sub-residency serves as a key operational hub for western Broome County, including the towns of Vestal, Union, Maine, Nanticoke, and Dickinson, as well as the villages of Endicott and Johnson City and the City of Binghamton. NYSDOT's 20 employees based at the sub-residency cover 210 lane miles, including parts of the Vestal Parkway, Interstate 86, and State Routes 26, 17, 201, and 17C.
The new facility includes a heated garage with eight service bays, allowing large dump trucks and essential equipment that are used for highway maintenance, emergencies, and snow and ice operations to be stored indoors. It will also feature a brine production and storage facility with a capacity of 46,000 gallons to support winter operations across Tioga and western Broome counties.
New locker rooms with showers -- designed for employees working extended hours during storms and emergencies -- were also included in the building. Additionally, 3,500 square feet of office and training space has been incorporated into the facility for mandatory OSHA safety training, CPR certification, flagger instruction, and other essential instruction activities. The facility is equipped with energy-efficient utility systems, including HVAC, radiant floor heat, and LED lighting, to improve sustainability and reduce long-term operating costs.
Construction of the Vestal facility was a joint project by NYSDOT and OGS that reflects a broader statewide effort to modernize State Department of Transportation facilities and improve operational efficiency. It was funded through NYSDOT's $34 billion, five-year capital program.
State Senator Lea Webb said, "Thanks to this state investment, NYSDOT will be able to respond to severe weather emergencies quickly and improve safety for travelers across Broome County. I am grateful to New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez and State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy for their efforts to transform this site into an efficient operational hub for western Broome County. With modernized vehicle storage, updated training space, and improved on-site resources, the Vestal Sub-Residency will help DOT crews respond faster and more efficiently year-round. This project is an important investment in our local infrastructure, which will keep our roads safe, especially during the toughest winter months."
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, "The opening of DOT's new maintenance complex in Vestal is welcome news for the traveling public. The larger heated indoor space and improved maintenance capacity will help DOT crews better respond to extreme weather events and other emergencies. I'm sure that the 20 DOT workers who are based at this facility greatly appreciate these long-awaited upgrades. Thank you to DOT and OGS for making this investment in our community."
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, "This new maintenance complex in Vestal is a major investment in the safety and reliability of our regional transportation network. By giving NYSDOT crews the modern tools and space they need, we're improving response times during severe weather and ensuring our roads remain safe for residents and visitors across Broome County."
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About the Department of Transportation
It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.
Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!
For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.
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About the New York State Office of General Services
Since 1960, the Office of General Services has provided essential support to keep New York State government operations running smoothly. OGS looks after the buildings where state government happens, delivers innovative solutions and provides shared services for New Yorkers, champions environmental sustainability, preserves world-class art collections, and creates meaningful opportunities for businesses and people.
OGS provides high-quality design, contracting, and construction management services to more than 50 state agencies for their capital construction needs.
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Original text here: https://www.dot.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/2026-03-251
N.M. Health Dept.: State Measles Count Rises to 15
SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 26 -- The New Mexico Department of Health issued the following news:
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State measles count rises to 15
New Mexico's measles case count has risen to 15, all linked to three county detention centers, the New Mexico Department of Health reports.
Ten cases are in the Luna County Detention Center, three in the Dona Ana County Detention Center and two in the Hidalgo County Detention Center. All the cases involve federal detainees. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has deployed vaccination crews to all three facilities to reduce the risk of further spread.
"Measles
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 26 -- The New Mexico Department of Health issued the following news:
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State measles count rises to 15
New Mexico's measles case count has risen to 15, all linked to three county detention centers, the New Mexico Department of Health reports.
Ten cases are in the Luna County Detention Center, three in the Dona Ana County Detention Center and two in the Hidalgo County Detention Center. All the cases involve federal detainees. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has deployed vaccination crews to all three facilities to reduce the risk of further spread.
"Measlesis very contagious and there have been almost 1500 measles infections reported this year in the United States. The best way to prevent measles infection is to be fully vaccinated," said Dr. Chad Smelser, medical epidemiologist with NMDOH.
New Mexico health officials encourage residents to review their vaccination records, including for measles, as spring travel season continues and can lead to additional risks, particularly if traveling out of state or country.
Earlier this month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention praised NMDOH for its public messaging and vaccination strategies during the state's 2025 measles outbreak. More than 60,000 people got MMR shots during that time period - an increase of 55% over the same time period the previous year.
Measles symptoms develop between seven and 21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads down the body. People can pass measles to someone else from four days before to four days after the rash first appears.
Call your doctor or emergency department first if you have symptoms and believe you were possibly exposed to measles - don't just walk in - so health providers can plan for your visit and minimize exposure to other people.
Those who are unsure about their vaccination status can access vaccination records at https://vaxview.doh.nm.gov/ or through the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for guidance from nurses in English and Spanish. You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).
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Original text here: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/information/2026/3/?view=2327
N.J. State Dept.: Popular Exhibition Has New Life as Book
TRENTON, New Jersey, March 26 (TNSrep) -- The New Jersey Department of State issued the following news release:
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Popular Exhibition Has New Life as Book
The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to announce the publication of a new book, "Grant Castner: The Lost Archive." Co-authored by the Museum's Curator of Cultural History Nicholas P. Ciotola and photography historian Gary D. Saretzky, the book is published by Rutgers University Press under their Ceres: Rutgers Studies in History division. It presents the collective work of Grant Castner, an amateur artist whose story and photographs were
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TRENTON, New Jersey, March 26 (TNSrep) -- The New Jersey Department of State issued the following news release:
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Popular Exhibition Has New Life as Book
The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to announce the publication of a new book, "Grant Castner: The Lost Archive." Co-authored by the Museum's Curator of Cultural History Nicholas P. Ciotola and photography historian Gary D. Saretzky, the book is published by Rutgers University Press under their Ceres: Rutgers Studies in History division. It presents the collective work of Grant Castner, an amateur artist whose story and photographs werethe subject of a Museum exhibition in 2024. The photographs document the everyday lives of New Jerseyans and present an archive of Garden State history and culture. The book is available for purchase online, at book retailers and in the State Museum Shop (https://njstatemuseumshop.company.site/).
In July 2019, State Museum staff visited a cramped and dusty storage locker in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Inside was a treasure trove of more than one thousand glass plate negatives, each one an artistic, carefully composed image of New Jersey at the turn of the twentieth century. They were created by Trenton resident Grant Castner (1863-1941), who captured a visual record of New Jersey's social and cultural history; they are works of art in their own right. Castner's versatility and talent for composition, light and framing illuminate his many subjects. The donation of this photographic archive to the Museum became the basis for the 2024 exhibition, Discovering Grant Castner: The Lost Archive of a New Jersey Photographer, curated by Ciotola and Saretzky.
Rutgers University Press, in a first-time partnership with the State Museum, agreed to the book project in an effort to share the historic trove of images and the stories they contain with a wider audience. The book is drawn from the research and writing for the exhibition and features all the prints used in the show. Beyond their intrinsic artistic value, the authors share the stories behind each photograph and their context to the time period. The book delves deeper into Castner's family story, early life, and the path that led him to become a talented regional photographer. It also explores where Castner fits in the larger context of American photographers of the period.
Curator and co-author Nicholas Ciotola noted, "I will always remember the first moment that I heard the name Grant Castner." He continued, "The phone call offering the donation of more than 1,000 glass plate negatives to the Museum has led us to a long-lost archive that transports the viewer on a visual journey into a New Jersey of days gone by. We hope readers find the book as captivating as the exhibition." Added Museum Executive Director Margaret O'Reilly, "We are thrilled to partner with Rutgers University Press on this project which will introduce new audiences to Grant Castner's extraordinary photographs. I congratulate co-curators/co-authors Nick Ciotola and Gary Saretzy on the realization of this volume, and extend gratitude to the NJ State Museum Foundation for project support and to Rutgers University Press for their commitment to New Jersey history and culture through this publication and others in the Ceres series."
The New Jersey State Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:45 pm; closed on all State holidays. General admission is free. The Museum Shop, operated by the New Jersey State Museum Foundation, is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For additional information, visit statemuseum.nj.gov, like the Museum's Facebook page (@NJStateMuseum), and follow us on X (njstatemuseum), Instagram (nj_statemuseum), Threads (nj_statemuseum) and YouTube (@newjerseystatemuseum1895.)
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About the New Jersey State Museum
The New Jersey State Museum is a center for the exploration of science, history and the arts. We preserve and share stories that inspire curiosity and creativity for the enrichment of our communities. Located at 205 West State Street in Trenton, the New Jersey State Museum encompasses three buildings including a state-of-the-art Planetarium. Established in 1895, the State Museum's collections in Archaeology/Ethnography, Cultural History, Fine Art and Natural History contain over 2 million objects, the largest museum collection in the state.
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About the New Jersey State Museum Foundation
The New Jersey State Museum Foundation was founded in 1968 as a non-government, non-profit 501(c)(3) to support the Museum's collections, exhibitions, programs and research through fundraising, volunteerism and advocacy. In recent years, the Foundation has received generous support from the PNC Foundation, NJM Insurance Group, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, New Jersey Historical Commission, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, The Henry Luce Foundation and Princeton Area Community Foundation. The Foundation also operates the Museum membership program, as well as the Museum Shop, which sells merchandise related to the Museum's exhibitions, collections, and New Jersey history and culture.
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Original text here: https://nj.gov/state/press-2026-0325.shtml
Maryland Department of Agriculture Announces Next Steps to Address Rural Veterinary Shortage
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, March 26 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on March 25, 2026:
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Maryland Department of Agriculture Announces Next Steps to Address Rural Veterinary Shortage
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced the release of recommendations developed in partnership with the Farm Journal Foundation to address the shortage of rural and food-systems veterinarians across the state.
The recommendations build on a statewide assessment and outline immediate next steps focused on engagement, data, and long-term workforce development.
The
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, March 26 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on March 25, 2026:
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Maryland Department of Agriculture Announces Next Steps to Address Rural Veterinary Shortage
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced the release of recommendations developed in partnership with the Farm Journal Foundation to address the shortage of rural and food-systems veterinarians across the state.
The recommendations build on a statewide assessment and outline immediate next steps focused on engagement, data, and long-term workforce development.
Thereport highlights several key findings, including gaps in data on the current veterinary workforce, underutilization of available federal funding programs, and the need to better understand demand, particularly among small and growing farm operations.
Immediate Next Steps
MDA will focus on two near-term priorities:
* Statewide Engagement and Communication - The Department will share the assessment findings broadly across the veterinary, education, and agricultural communities and ensure stakeholders are engaged in shaping next steps.
* Summit and Solutions Development - MDA will host a statewide summit to bring together veterinarians, educators, and agricultural leaders to review findings, identify challenges, and begin developing solutions. The summit will serve as a launching point for a coordinated, collaborative effort to strengthen Maryland's rural veterinary workforce.
"This report gives us a clear path forward," said Secretary Kevin Atticks. "Now, it's about bringing the right partners together and turning these recommendations into action to build a stronger, more sustainable veterinary workforce."
"Rural veterinarians are essential to protecting animal health, supporting our farmers, and safeguarding the food supply," said State Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Trout. "These recommendations reflect what we're seeing on the ground and create an opportunity to better connect veterinarians with the communities that need them most."
Following the summit, MDA will establish a working group made up of key stakeholders across the veterinary, agricultural, and education sectors. This group will be charged with developing practical, actionable solutions to improve recruitment, retention, and long-term sustainability of rural veterinary services.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2026/03/25/news-release-maryland-department-of-agriculture-announces-next-steps-to-address-rural-veterinary-shortage/
Alaska A.G. Cox Secures Landmark Consumer Protection Resolution With Swickard Car Dealerships--$800,000 Now, $200,000 More If Misconduct Continues
JUNEAU, Alaska, March 26 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on March 24, 2026:
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Attorney General Cox Secures Landmark Consumer Protection Resolution with Swickard Car Dealerships--$800,000 now, $200,000 More if Misconduct Continues
(Ketchikan, AK) - Today, Attorney General Cox announced the settlement of the State's consumer protection lawsuit against Swickard Anchorage, LLC, Swickard Anchorage II, LLC, Swickard PAV, LLC, Swickard Palmer, LLC, and Swickard Management Company (collectively "Swickard") for violating consumer protection laws. Swickard
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JUNEAU, Alaska, March 26 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on March 24, 2026:
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Attorney General Cox Secures Landmark Consumer Protection Resolution with Swickard Car Dealerships--$800,000 now, $200,000 More if Misconduct Continues
(Ketchikan, AK) - Today, Attorney General Cox announced the settlement of the State's consumer protection lawsuit against Swickard Anchorage, LLC, Swickard Anchorage II, LLC, Swickard PAV, LLC, Swickard Palmer, LLC, and Swickard Management Company (collectively "Swickard") for violating consumer protection laws. Swickardoperates car dealerships in Anchorage and Palmer.
The complaint, which was filed in Anchorage Superior Court, alleged that Swickard engaged in unfair and deceptive advertising practices, including advertising vehicles that were not actually available for purchase to draw customers to its lot. Swickard also refused to honor advertised prices once consumers arrived, requiring consumers to purchase expensive dealer add-ons that were not disclosed in the online advertisements, such as extra warranties, ceramic coating, dent and ding protection, and door edge guards and cups.
The Anchorage Superior Court found that Swickard purchased used vehicles from individual consumers without obtaining a signed statement describing the vehicle's condition, including the accident and repair history. State law requires dealerships to secure this signed statement from sellers and then provide it to prospective buyers. Swickard's failure to follow this process deprived consumers of information necessary to make informed purchasing decisions and violated AS 45.25.465 and AS 45.50.471(b)(43).
"Car dealers don't get to advertise one price and charge another--or advertise cars that aren't really there," said Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox. "That's a bait-and-switch, and it's unlawful. Alaskans already face higher costs than most--this settlement holds Swickard accountable and reinforces that the price you see should be the price you pay."
Under this settlement, the defendants will pay a total civil penalty of $800,000, with an additional suspended penalty of $200,000 to be paid if Swickard engages in reckless or persistent violations of consumer protection laws in the next three years.
Consumers should know that Alaska law entitles them to purchase a vehicle at the advertised price. Dealerships cannot make consumers pay dealer documentation fees or dealer add-ons unless those extra costs were disclosed as part of the advertised price. And if consumers are purchasing a used vehicle, the dealership must provide a signed statement from the vehicle's previous owner that describes the vehicles condition and accident history. Or, if the vehicle was purchased at auction, from another dealer, or from a wholesaler, that fact must be disclosed as well.
* SOA v. Swickard Anchorage, LLC, et al. - Consent Decree (https://law.alaska.gov/pdf/press/260324-ConsentDecree.pdf)
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/032426-Swickard.html
