States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
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S.D. A.G. Jackley Presents $41.7 Million Budget to State Legislative Appropriations Committee
PIERRE, South Dakota, Jan. 24 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Presents $41.7 Million Budget to State Legislative Appropriations Committee
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley Friday presented the office's proposed $41.7 million fiscal year 2027 budget which includes funds for the Appellate, Criminal, and Civil Attorney Divisions, the Consumer Protection Division, the Division of Criminal Investigation, the State Forensic Lab, and Law Enforcement Training to the Legislative Appropriations Committee.
"Every
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Jan. 24 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Presents $41.7 Million Budget to State Legislative Appropriations Committee
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley Friday presented the office's proposed $41.7 million fiscal year 2027 budget which includes funds for the Appellate, Criminal, and Civil Attorney Divisions, the Consumer Protection Division, the Division of Criminal Investigation, the State Forensic Lab, and Law Enforcement Training to the Legislative Appropriations Committee.
"Everyyear as Attorney General, I have proposed a budget that uses its resources wisely to protect South Dakotans, and this year is no different," said Attorney General Jackley. "Most of our proposed funds are earmarked for criminal investigations including those at our state correctional facilities, protecting children from internet crimes, and consumer protection,"
Highlights of the budget request include:
*** $646,161 in general funds to replace reduced federal funds for the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, victim witness specialists, and drug investigations.
*** $91,009 to hire a Consumer Protection Division Special Projects Coordinator that would focus on addressing emerging scams aimed at consumers. Money for the new employee would come from the Attorney General's Consumer Settlement Fund.
The Attorney General is also requesting $99,370 in general funds for a new Legal Assistant to provide administrative and case support to the Rapid City Office.
Of the proposed budget, 68 percent ($28 million) is earmarked for the DCI, Law Enforcement Training and 911 Training. Another 32 percent ($13 million) is allocated for department attorneys, legal services and other programs.
The proposed budget would include 49 percent in state general funds, which is the same as last year; 36 percent in funds that come from fees and settlements, and 15 percent from federal government funds.
Final state budget decisions will be made later by the committee, then be subject to approval by the full Legislature and sent to the Governor.
The Attorney General budget slides can be found here (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2995).
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2995
N.H. A.G. Formella: Nicholas Colarusso Indicted for Unemployment Compensation Fraud
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 24 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Nicholas Colarusso Indicted for Unemployment Compensation Fraud
Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Employment Security Commissioner Richard J. Lavers announce that the Rockingham County Grand Jury has returned indictments against Nicholas Colarusso, age 36, in connection with alleged unemployment compensation fraud.
The indictments charge Colarusso with Unemployment Compensation Fraud (Class A Felony), Theft by Deception (Class A Felony), and Attempted Unemployment
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Jan. 24 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Nicholas Colarusso Indicted for Unemployment Compensation Fraud
Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Employment Security Commissioner Richard J. Lavers announce that the Rockingham County Grand Jury has returned indictments against Nicholas Colarusso, age 36, in connection with alleged unemployment compensation fraud.
The indictments charge Colarusso with Unemployment Compensation Fraud (Class A Felony), Theft by Deception (Class A Felony), and Attempted UnemploymentCompensation Fraud (Class A Felony).
According to the indictments, from April 2020 to June 2021 Colarusso allegedly submitted false unemployment claims to the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security. The indictments allege that he failed to disclose his full-time employment with Make a Difference Landscaping LLC and/or Groundhog Landscaping and Property Maintenance Inc., and that as a result he allegedly received more than $36,000 in unemployment compensation, including enhanced federal COVID-19 benefits, while continuing to work.
Colarusso is scheduled to be arraigned on February 20, 2026, in Rockingham County Superior Court. Each Class A felony offense is punishable by up to 7 1/2 to 15 years in state prison, a fine, or both.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Employment Security's Benefit Payment Control Unit. The Department provides unemployment benefits to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own and investigates allegations of fraud to protect New Hampshire's unemployment trust fund. The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security receives program funding and grant awards from the U.S. Department of Labor.
To report possible unemployment fraud, call (603) 228-4019, or email the Department of Employment Security at NHES.BPC@NHES.NH.GOV.
The charges and allegations against Mr. Colarusso are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/nicholas-colarusso-indicted-unemployment-compensation-fraud
Mo. A.G. Hanaway Obtains Medicaid Fraud Conviction For Services Billed While in Jail
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 24 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
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Attorney General Hanaway Obtains Medicaid Fraud Conviction For Services Billed While in Jail
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) obtained a Medicaid Fraud conviction against Dajah Sanders, who received payment for providing personal care services while incarcerated in the St. Louis County Justice Center. Sanders collaborated with her mother, Medicaid recipient Melissa Bates, to clock Sanders
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 24 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
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Attorney General Hanaway Obtains Medicaid Fraud Conviction For Services Billed While in Jail
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) obtained a Medicaid Fraud conviction against Dajah Sanders, who received payment for providing personal care services while incarcerated in the St. Louis County Justice Center. Sanders collaborated with her mother, Medicaid recipient Melissa Bates, to clock Sandersin and out as if Sanders was still providing services while Sanders was incarcerated.
"Missouri Medicaid funds are a finite resource," said Attorney General Hanaway. "We will hold accountable anyone looking for an easy paycheck using taxpayer monies allocated to our state's most vulnerable. Our dedicated Medicaid Fraud Control Unit put this fraudster's jailhouse scheme to a stop."
Missouri Medicaid's Consumer-Directed Personal Care Program allows eligible Medicaid recipients to hire a personal care attendant (PCA) to provide personal care services for them in their home. While Sanders was in jail, submitted timesheets claimed she was providing four hours of personal care services to her mother per day for eight days.
MFCU investigator's analysis of bank account deposits and withdrawals indicates Sanders and her mother were check-splitting - a situation in which the Medicaid recipient and PCA collaborate to submit false claims then divide or split the fraudulently obtained Medicaid funds. A total of seven false claims for services allegedly provided by Sanders to Bates were submitted while Sanders was in jail and could not provide services. The total loss to Missouri Medicaid for the fraudulent claims was $533.01.
Sanders pled guilty to one count of Healthcare Fraud in violation of RSMo Section 191.905.1 (Class D felony) and sentenced to pay restitution of $266.50, double damages of $533.01, and a civil penalty of $2,500 for a total of $3,299.51. The case was referred by the Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Special Investigations (OSI) and the investigation was conducted by MFCU Investigator Stefan Boeckman.
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Chief Counsel Arvids V. Petersons said, "Our team works to safeguard taxpayer dollars and to help protect vulnerable Missourians. The restitution our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit wins in court goes back to providing health care to those truly in need."
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About 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. 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-obtains-medicaid-fraud-conviction-for-services-billed-while-in-jail/
Md. A.G. Office: Body-Worn Camera Footage Release Delayed in December's Death of Individual Following Release From Police Custody in Montgomery County
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 24 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release:
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Body-Worn Camera Footage Release Delayed in December's Death of Individual Following Release from Police Custody in Montgomery County
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General today announced a delay in the release of the body-worn camera footage related to the death of an individual following release from police custody. The incident occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland. The IID
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 24 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release:
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Body-Worn Camera Footage Release Delayed in December's Death of Individual Following Release from Police Custody in Montgomery County
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General today announced a delay in the release of the body-worn camera footage related to the death of an individual following release from police custody. The incident occurred on Monday, December 15, 2025, in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland. The IIDassumed responsibility for the investigation on December 22, 2025.
The delay in the release of the footage is the result of the need for additional time to conduct witness interviews.
Per IID protocols, "The IID will generally release body-worn and/or dashboard camera footage within 20 business days after the incident. There may be situations where more than 20 business days are necessary, including, but not limited to: investigators needing more time to complete witness interviews; technical delays caused by the need to redact information that raises privacy or safety concerns; or allowing family members or subject officers to view the video before it is released to the public. There may also be situations where the IID releases video sooner than 20 days where there is a substantial public interest in doing so. If the release of video is delayed, the IID will notify the public there's been a delay and state the reason for the delay."
To read the original news release, click here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/Pages/---Independent-Investigations-Division-Investigating-Death-of-Individual-Following-Release-from-Police-Custody-.aspx.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Body-Worn-Camera-Footage-Release-Delayed-in-December%e2%80%99s-Death-of-Individual-Following-Release-from-Police-Custody-in-Montgom.aspx
Del. Gov. Meyer Nominates Lisa Collison as New Bank Commissioner
DOVER, Delaware, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
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Governor Matt Meyer Nominates Lisa Collison as New Bank Commissioner
Governor Matt Meyer today announced the nomination of Lisa Collison to serve as Delaware's next State Bank Commissioner. Collison brings three decades of experience safeguarding Delaware's financial system and a deep understanding of the institutions that power the state's economy. Delaware stands at a defining moment for the financial services industry, as innovation, digital payment, and evolving consumer expectations
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DOVER, Delaware, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
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Governor Matt Meyer Nominates Lisa Collison as New Bank Commissioner
Governor Matt Meyer today announced the nomination of Lisa Collison to serve as Delaware's next State Bank Commissioner. Collison brings three decades of experience safeguarding Delaware's financial system and a deep understanding of the institutions that power the state's economy. Delaware stands at a defining moment for the financial services industry, as innovation, digital payment, and evolving consumer expectationsreshape how financial institutions operate nationwide. At this inflection point, leadership matters more than ever.
"Delaware's financial strength depends on strong, fair, and forward-looking oversight," Governor Matt Meyer said. "Lisa Collison brings experience, integrity, and a clear understanding of how to protect consumers while positioning Delaware to lead again in financial services. I'm proud to nominate her as our next State Bank Commissioner."
The State Bank Commissioner plays a central role in ensuring the strength, stability, and integrity of Delaware's financial system. The Commissioner administers and enforces the State Banking Code under Title 5 of the Delaware Code and oversees all financial institutions chartered or licensed in Delaware. This includes state-chartered banks and trust companies, as well as a wide range of nonbank financial institutions such as consumer finance companies, mortgage lenders and originators, money transmitters, motor vehicle sales finance companies, and check cashers.
At a time when the financial sector is evolving rapidly, the Commissioner ensures institutions are rigorously examined, remain compliant with state and federal laws, and operate in ways that protects consumers and the broader economy. The office also administers Delaware's bank franchise tax, responds to consumer inquiries and complaints, and promotes financial education to help Delawareans make informed financial decisions.
If confirmed, Collison will advance the Office of the State Bank Commissioner's mission to pair innovation and growth with accountability and consumer protection, reinforcing Delaware's reputation as a credible, well-regulated, and competitive home for financial services in the modern economy.
The nomination will be sent to the Delaware Senate for confirmation.
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ABOUT THE NOMINEELisa Collison headshot
Lisa Collison is a lifelong Delawarean with an accounting background and an extensive career at the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner (OSBC). Over the past 30 years, she has served in a wide range of regulatory and supervisory roles, including Bank Examiner, Chief Bank Examiner, Review Examiner, and Senior Deputy Bank Commissioner.
Throughout her career, Collison has played a central role in supervising financial institutions, enforcing the State Banking Code, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Her experience spans both traditional banking institutions and nonbank financial entities, giving her a comprehensive understanding of Delaware's diverse financial landscape.
Collison resides in Harrington, Delaware, with her husband, Philip. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Kaylee and Maycee.
For any questions, please email govcomm@delaware.gov.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/01/23/governor-matt-meyer-nominates-lisa-collison-as-new-bank-commissioner/
California Disrupts International Wildlife Poaching Network
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
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California disrupts international wildlife poaching network
What you need to know: California has uncovered and disrupted several major wildlife trafficking operations, including one that internationally trafficked illegal products made from endangered species.
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has uncovered and disrupted several major wildlife trafficking operations, including one that internationally trafficked illegal products made from endangered
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SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 24 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Jan. 23, 2026:
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California disrupts international wildlife poaching network
What you need to know: California has uncovered and disrupted several major wildlife trafficking operations, including one that internationally trafficked illegal products made from endangered species.
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has uncovered and disrupted several major wildlife trafficking operations, including one that internationally trafficked illegal products made from endangeredspecies.
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Illicit trafficking is not acceptable in any form, including wildlife trafficking. The international illegal market for these products encourages poaching and threatens global biodiversity -- California wants no part of it. We're using every tool at our disposal to catch and shut down these trafficking rings.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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This year marks the 10-year anniversary of AB 96 - landmark legislation that banned the sale of ivory in California, strengthening the authority and ability of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to combat illegal wildlife trafficking that threatens global biodiversity and encourages the poaching of endangered species.
"This investigation demonstrates exactly why AB 96 matters," said Nathaniel Arnold, CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of Law Enforcement. California is the most populous state in the U.S. and a major hub of international trade, where the fight to stop wildlife trafficking can have global impacts. CDFW is committed to working with our state, federal, and international partners to aggressively identify, disrupt, and dismantle these illicit markets, and to ensure those responsible face criminal prosecution and the full consequences of the law."
This month in Fresno, CDFW law enforcement officers seized hundreds of illegal products made from ivory and elephant, and a number of other products from poached animals, including rhino horns, walrus tusks, suspected bear gall bladders, saiga antelope, and turtle shells.
CDFW opened an investigation after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intercepted a falsely labeled shipment from Thailand destined for Fresno that contained four elephant trunks. CDFW confirmed that the trunks are from Asian elephants, a species protected under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).
CDFW officers in Madera County shut down an illegal rooster-fighting ring, seized illegal derivatives of protected kestrel falcons, and recovered a prohibited firearm suppressor. Evidence was seized, and charges were filed with Madera County Animal Services and the Madera County District Attorney's office, as appropriate. In Fresno County, three suspects have been booked into the county jail, facing charges involving wildlife trafficking violations under the California Fish and Game Code. Charges will be filed with the Fresno and Madera County district attorney's offices.
These efforts are part of the state's ongoing work and commitment to protect biodiversity both globally and in California. The public can report wildlife trafficking and poaching activity through the CalTIP program by calling (888) 334-CALTIP (2258) or submitting anonymous tips via text to TIP411 (847411).
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/23/california-disrupts-international-wildlife-poaching-network/
Ariz. State Sen. Bolick Moves to Shut Down Illegal Chinese Vapes and Protect Kids
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 24 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Bolick Moves to Shut Down Illegal Chinese Vapes and Protect Kids
Senator Shawnna Bolick is taking action to shut down the smuggling of illegal Chinese vape products and protect kids from youth-targeted devices with new legislation to strengthen state enforcement and close long-standing loopholes.
SB 1367 targets illegal vape devices that evade federal oversight, skirt import laws, and are designed to appeal directly to kids. The bill empowers state agencies to track where
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 24 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Bolick Moves to Shut Down Illegal Chinese Vapes and Protect Kids
Senator Shawnna Bolick is taking action to shut down the smuggling of illegal Chinese vape products and protect kids from youth-targeted devices with new legislation to strengthen state enforcement and close long-standing loopholes.
SB 1367 targets illegal vape devices that evade federal oversight, skirt import laws, and are designed to appeal directly to kids. The bill empowers state agencies to track wherevape products come from, seize illegal shipments, and shut down retailers who refuse to follow the law.
"This bill is simple: it stops the smuggling of illegal Chinese vape and enacts serious penalties on those who sell vape to our kids," said Senator Bolick, Chair of the Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Committee. "Anyone who follows the law should support this. Sadly, hundreds of vape shops in Arizona don't, and I expect their opposition. I have zero tolerance for businesses that act like the law doesn't apply to them."
"Arizona law enforcement needs the ability to close the vape loophole and stop the smuggling of illegal Chinese vape products into our country," said Justin Harris, Vice President of the Border Security Alliance, immediate past President of the Arizona Police Association, and a current sergeant with a police department. "I applaud the Senator's legislation and look forward to having the Governor sign this into law."
Under SB 1367, interstate vape wholesalers must provide proper federal import documentation to the Arizona Department of Revenue, including proof showing where their products originate. If they can't, those products can be immediately seized and destroyed. The bill also strengthens retail enforcement by banning vape devices that mimic cartoons, toys, school supplies, cosmetics, smartphones, or video games, or that use celebrity likenesses or kid-friendly branding. Violations carry fines of up to $10,000 per device and immediate seizure.
SB 1367 is now moving through the legislative process as Republican lawmakers push to protect families, enforce the law, and keep dangerous, illegal vape products out of Arizona communities.
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senator-bolick-moves-to-shut-down-illegal-chinese-vapes
