States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
N.J. Gov. Sherrill Signs Executive Order Temporarily Extending State of Emergency to Provide Waivers for Certain Health Care Professionals
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 14 -- Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Governor Sherrill Signs Executive Order Temporarily Extending State of Emergency to Provide Waivers for Certain Health Care Professionals
Governor Mikie Sherrill today signed Executive Order No. 13, temporarily extending the State of Emergency declared pursuant to Governor Phil Murphy's Executive Order No. 103 (2020) for an additional 45 days to provide certain health care professionals more time to enter into joint protocol or delegation agreements with supervising physicians.
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 14 -- Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Governor Sherrill Signs Executive Order Temporarily Extending State of Emergency to Provide Waivers for Certain Health Care Professionals
Governor Mikie Sherrill today signed Executive Order No. 13, temporarily extending the State of Emergency declared pursuant to Governor Phil Murphy's Executive Order No. 103 (2020) for an additional 45 days to provide certain health care professionals more time to enter into joint protocol or delegation agreements with supervising physicians.The State of Emergency, previously set to expire at 5:00 p.m. on February 16, 2026, will now expire at 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2026.
"With today's executive order, we are providing more time for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to adjust to this new regulatory landscape, delivering on our commitment to make it easier for small businesses to thrive in New Jersey," said Governor Sherrill. "Many health care professionals across New Jersey are bracing for impact as years-long state of emergency provisions come to an abrupt end. These sudden regulatory changes will have wide-ranging impacts on health care professionals and patients alike - potentially even forcing clinics and small, independent practices to close their doors, making it more difficult for New Jerseyans to access critical health care services."
The abrupt termination of the State of Emergency is likely to disrupt and interfere with the delivery of health care - including time-sensitive reproductive health care services - to New Jersey communities and result in the potential closure of clinics, surgery centers, and independent practices, with particularly severe consequences for medically underserved populations and patients with serious conditions.
For the duration of the State of Emergency, certain statutory provisions that would limit the scope of practice of advanced practice nurses (APNs) and physician assistants (PAs) will be suspended and waived. Certain provisions relating to physicians' supervisory responsibilities will also be suspended and waived as they apply to both physicians and physician assistants.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 13, click here (https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/057sherrill/pdf/EO-13.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/2026/approved/20260213a.shtml
N.J. Acting A.G. Davenport Urges Congress to Pass Kids Online Safety Act and Protect Children Online
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 14 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Acting AG Davenport Urges Congress to Pass Kids Online Safety Act and Protect Children Online
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that she has joined together with a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from around the country in urging Congressional leadership to protect children from online harm and pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), S.1748.
The letter, signed by 40 attorneys general, emphasizes
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 14 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Acting AG Davenport Urges Congress to Pass Kids Online Safety Act and Protect Children Online
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that she has joined together with a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from around the country in urging Congressional leadership to protect children from online harm and pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), S.1748.
The letter, signed by 40 attorneys general, emphasizesthe urgency of Congressional action as scrutiny of social media companies intensifies and evidence mounts regarding the harmful impact of addictive design features on children and teens.
The letter underscores Acting Attorney General Davenport's commitment to protecting children in online spaces. The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General has been a national leader in the fight to protect kids online, including bringing enforcement actions against tech giants that target children, like Meta, TikTok, and Discord.
"Big Tech has made billions profiting off addictive features and algorithms that have severe negative mental health consequences for our children. They have hooked an entire generation of kids onto apps that lack basic privacy and safety safeguards, turning what were once promised as platforms for building friendships and staying connected into systems that profit from harm. As a parent, that is unacceptable," said Governor Mikie Sherrill. "As Governor, it is my job to protect the children of our state from online harm and exploitation. I urge Congress to take swift action to better protect our kids online in a way that supports states, because New Jersey will continue to hold anyone who threatens the well-being of our kids accountable."
"As a mom, I understand the grip that social media platforms hold over our children. And as New Jersey's chief law enforcement officer, I am horrified by how the actions of some of our largest tech companies have left kids vulnerable to predators, excessive usage, and more," said Acting Attorney General Davenport. "There is no excuse: Congress must take immediate action to protect our kids online, and it must do so in a way that preserves the authority of states to take action too. I am committed to doing everything in my power to lead the fight for our kids using every tool we've got."
The letter also raises concern about the House version of KOSA, H.R. 6484, which would preempt states' laws that protect kids online. The letter warns that the House version removes the Duty of Care provision in S. 1748, which requires companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. The Senate version of KOSA does not impede on states' pioneering work to protect kids online, and it goes further to ensure that companies are not subjecting children to harm.
States and territories joining New Jersey in sending the letter to Congressional leadership include Connecticut, Hawaii, Ohio, and Tennessee, which sponsored the letter, as well as American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Wyoming.
View Letter (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-0213_01-30-KOSA_FINAL.pdf)
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INFODOC: https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-0213_01-30-KOSA_FINAL.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/acting-ag-davenport-urges-congress-to-pass-kids-online-safety-act-and-protect-children-online/
N.H. Justice Dept.: Vehicle Inspection Program Public Guidance
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Feb. 14 -- The New Hampshire Department of Justice issued the following news release:
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Vehicle Inspection Program Public Guidance
The New Hampshire Department of Justice and Department of Safety are providing a further update on the state's vehicle inspection program in response to the federal District Court's January 27, 2026 preliminary injunction order:
* The vehicle inspection program is suspended until further notice.
* Inspection stations will no longer be authorized to issue state inspection stickers and vehicles will not be required to obtain an annual
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Feb. 14 -- The New Hampshire Department of Justice issued the following news release:
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Vehicle Inspection Program Public Guidance
The New Hampshire Department of Justice and Department of Safety are providing a further update on the state's vehicle inspection program in response to the federal District Court's January 27, 2026 preliminary injunction order:
* The vehicle inspection program is suspended until further notice.
* Inspection stations will no longer be authorized to issue state inspection stickers and vehicles will not be required to obtain an annualstate inspection at this time.
* Drivers are still responsible under current law to ensure that any vehicle driven in New Hampshire is safe to operate, regardless of the status of the inspection program.
Following the Executive Council's denial of the Department of Safety's request to extend the termination date of the State's vehicle inspection contract with Gordon-Darby NHOST, Inc, the State currently has no approved vendor to operate the State's vehicle inspection program. As a result, and after careful review of the legal implications under current state statutes of the lack of an approved vendor, the vehicle inspection program is suspended until further notice. Inspection stations will no longer be authorized to issue state inspection stickers and vehicles will not be required to obtain an annual state inspection at this time.
The Department of Safety and the Department of Environmental Services are exploring all options to continue to comply with the Court's order but currently lack the legal authority to operate a vehicle inspection program given that there is no approved vendor for the program. In addition, the State is continuing to seek relief from the Court's order and has filed a Notice of Appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals as well as a motion requesting that the Court stay its preliminary injunction order. While the vehicle inspection program is currently suspended, the status of the program remains subject to change as the legal landscape continues to evolve. The State will update its public guidance on vehicle inspections as more information becomes available and will provide additional regulatory flexibility as needed in the event of future changes, including further deadline extensions should the program resume.
At this time, the public is reminded that they are responsible under current law to ensure that any vehicle driven in New Hampshire is safe to operate, regardless of the status of the inspection program. Vehicle safety requirements are set forth in New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) Chapter 266.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/vehicle-inspection-program-public-guidance
Illinois Supreme Court Assigns Hon. Thaddeus L. Wilson to First District Appellate Court
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Feb. 14 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Illinois Supreme Court Assigns Hon. Thaddeus L. Wilson to First District Appellate Court
The Illinois Supreme Court announced today the assignment of Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson to the First District Appellate Court. Justice Wilson was sworn in before an overflow crowd on February 6, 2026. He was assigned to fill the vacancy created by Justice Sanjay T. Tailor's appointment to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Justice Wilson's career blends judicial excellence,
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Feb. 14 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Illinois Supreme Court Assigns Hon. Thaddeus L. Wilson to First District Appellate Court
The Illinois Supreme Court announced today the assignment of Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson to the First District Appellate Court. Justice Wilson was sworn in before an overflow crowd on February 6, 2026. He was assigned to fill the vacancy created by Justice Sanjay T. Tailor's appointment to the Illinois Supreme Court.
Justice Wilson's career blends judicial excellence,technological innovation, and a deep commitment to public service. He was appointed to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2007 and later elected and retained. His judicial experience includes service in the Chancery Division, the Criminal Division--where he served as Supervising Judge--and the First Municipal District, reflecting a breadth of knowledge across complex areas of the law.
Justice Wilson earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, double majoring in Management Information Systems and Philosophy, before moving to Chicago to begin his career as a computer programmer and systems analyst. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law, launching a distinguished legal career that included civil rights litigation, criminal defense, bankruptcy, foreclosure, election law, and appellate advocacy.
Before joining the judiciary, Justice Wilson practiced with the Law Office of Brookins & Wilson, represented clients before state and federal courts, served as an arbitrator, and served as a hearing officer for the Chicago Board of Elections.
Justice Wilson has been appointed to numerous statewide committees shaping the future of Illinois courts. An ASTAR Fellow in Advanced Science and Technology, he is known for his mastery of complex scientific and technical issues and for championing modernization across the judiciary. His courtroom has been the setting for several high profile cases, including a terrorism trial related to the 2012 NATO Summit, Cook County's first fully televised gavel to gavel trial, and a landmark 2025 environmental enforcement case.
A dedicated educator, Justice Wilson has taught Criminal Procedure and Voting Rights & Election Law at the former John Marshall Law School (now UIC School of Law) and has presented nationally on ethics, technology, constitutional law, and digital evidence. As president of the Illinois Judicial Council, he championed judicial excellence, community service, and opportunities for future legal leaders.
As he begins his journey on the Illinois Appellate Court, Justice Wilson continues to serve with vision, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice for all. Justice Wilson believes that:
"The law is at its best when it evolves with the world it governs. At every stage, my goal has remained the same: to help build a justice system that is fairer, smarter, more transparent, and better prepared for the world ahead. If you're working at the intersection of law, technology, judicial education, or court innovation, I'm always open to connecting and collaborating".
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Original text here: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/d067e85d-d306-4ee9-b687-e2b8c743062a/Illinois%20Supreme%20Court%20Assigns%20Hon.%20Thaddeus%20L.%20Wilson%20To%20First%20District%20Appellate%20Court.pdf
Ga. Lt. Gov. Jones Statement on Lack of Fulton County Transparency
ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 14 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Lt. Governor Burt Jones Statement on Lack of Fulton County Transparency
Today, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones issued a rebuke of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her associates following a continued pattern of obstruction and lack of transparency regarding the misuse of taxpayer funds.
"The era of Fulton County investigators hiding behind closed doors and dodging the truth is over," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "DA Willis's evasive testimony in December left
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 14 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Lt. Governor Burt Jones Statement on Lack of Fulton County Transparency
Today, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones issued a rebuke of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her associates following a continued pattern of obstruction and lack of transparency regarding the misuse of taxpayer funds.
"The era of Fulton County investigators hiding behind closed doors and dodging the truth is over," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "DA Willis's evasive testimony in December leftthe committee with more questions than answers, especially in light of contradictory statements Nathan Wade and others had previously made. While Fulton County Investigators Wade and Deputy DA Jeff Disantis did not show up today after being served with subpoenas, we look forward to them appearing at the next hearing. If they fail to attend, the Georgia Senate will pursue all available legal options to examine Fulton County's improper practices and waste of hard-earned taxpayer dollars."
The Georgia Senate previously announced the issuance of formal subpoenas for Nathan Wade and Jeff DiSantis. The subpoenas compelled their appearance before the Senate Special Committee on Investigations on February 13, 2026.
Senate Resolution 465 established the Senate Special Committee on Investigations in 2024. Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed the committee members who are tasked with addressing concerns about prosecutorial misconduct in the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.
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Original text here: https://ltgov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-02-13/lt-governor-burt-jones-statement-lack-fulton-county-transparency
Committee Advances Maine State Sen. Nangle Bill to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking
AUGUSTA, Maine, Feb. 14 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham:
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Committee advances Sen. Nangle bill to support survivors of human trafficking
Legislation would provide a temporary funding bridge after unexplained federal delay disrupts critical services.
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On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services voted to advance a bill from Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, to ensure survivors of human trafficking in Maine can continue accessing essential support services after a prolonged
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Feb. 14 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham:
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Committee advances Sen. Nangle bill to support survivors of human trafficking
Legislation would provide a temporary funding bridge after unexplained federal delay disrupts critical services.
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On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services voted to advance a bill from Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, to ensure survivors of human trafficking in Maine can continue accessing essential support services after a prolongedand unexplained delay in federal funding. Of those present, LD 2136, "An Act to Support Victims of Trafficking in Maine in Response to Federal Funding Cuts," received support from Democratic members of the committee while all Republican members voted against the bill.
"Survivors don't get to put their lives on hold while Washington sorts out its paperwork. When someone is ready to escape exploitation, support needs to be there immediately," said Sen. Nangle. "Maine has always stepped up when our neighbors are in crisis, and this bill makes sure survivors aren't left without help because of a delay that's completely outside their control."
LD 2136 would provide a one-year bridge to replace delayed federal funding that has supported Preble Street's Anti-Trafficking Services program since 2013. The program has historically been funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime -- funding that Congress approved and communities across the country rely on, but the Trump administration withheld.
Preble Street's most recent three-year federal grant expired on September 30, 2025. Normally, the next grant opportunity would have opened in April, with new funds beginning October 1. Instead, the U.S. Department of Justice delayed the grant competition for more than nine months and provided no public explanation.
That delay shifted the entire funding timeline forward, creating a gap year that will not be retroactively funded. Even if future federal grants are awarded, the lost months of funding will not be restored.
Without state action, that hole remains permanent. As a direct result, Maine's largest provider of anti-trafficking services has been forced to begin waitlisting survivors.
That funding has helped Preble Street support 157 survivors across seven Maine counties in recent years. Services include assistance with housing, food, clothing, medical and mental health care, legal services and relocation when necessary.
Without this short-term state investment, survivors seeking help right now could face serious and lasting harm simply because of a federal administrative failure.
LD 2136 now heads to the full Legislature for consideration.
Sen. Nangle is serving his second term in the Maine Senate, representing Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook. He serves as Senate chair of the Transportation Committee and sits on the Health and Human Services Committee.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/committee-advances-sen-nangle-bill-to-support-survivors-of-human-trafficking/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Issues Statement on Secretary Noem Press Conference Remarks
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 14 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Statement on Secretary Noem Press Conference Remarks
Attorney General Kris Mayes today issued the following statement in response to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference remarks delivered earlier today, February 13, 2026:
Arizona's elections are safe and secure. The election deniers now staffing the Trump administration have spent the past six years lying to the American people in a deliberate effort to destroy trust in our election system.
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 14 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Statement on Secretary Noem Press Conference Remarks
Attorney General Kris Mayes today issued the following statement in response to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference remarks delivered earlier today, February 13, 2026:
Arizona's elections are safe and secure. The election deniers now staffing the Trump administration have spent the past six years lying to the American people in a deliberate effort to destroy trust in our election system.Multiple investigations, independent audits, and courts across this country have all reached the same conclusion: voter fraud is exceedingly rare and has not played a meaningful role in the outcome of an election.
Secretary Noem told the press that Arizona "is an absolute disaster" when it comes to elections -- yet she could not provide a single example to support that claim because its patently untrue. In fact, Arizona already requires documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. It was nothing more than another baseless attack from a federal government that lies to the American people on a daily basis. If the Trump administration wants to restore trust in our elections, it can start by telling the truth about them.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-issues-statement-secretary-noem-press-conference-remarks
