States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
N.J. A.G. Davenport Opposes Unprecedented Barriers to Federal Funding Requests
TRENTON, New Jersey, March 31 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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AG Davenport Opposes Unprecedented Barriers to Federal Funding Requests
Trump Administration Ties Funding Requirements to Attack on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing a proposal by the General Services Administration (GSA) that would require recipients of federal funding to certify to compliance with vague and undefined terms targeting diversity,
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, March 31 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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AG Davenport Opposes Unprecedented Barriers to Federal Funding Requests
Trump Administration Ties Funding Requirements to Attack on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing a proposal by the General Services Administration (GSA) that would require recipients of federal funding to certify to compliance with vague and undefined terms targeting diversity,equity, and inclusion.
In the letter, Attorney General Davenport and the coalition argue that the unprecedented proposal imposes unjustified and duplicative burdens on federal funding applicants and recipients, violates federal law, and seeks to threaten and intimidate federal funding recipients away from lawful activities.
"This is an insidious attempt to weaponize the federal government's funding process. It affects every State department and agency as well as all nonprofits, charities, or schools that receive federal funds," said Attorney General Davenport. "Instead of making life more affordable for New Jerseyans, the Trump Administration is obsessed with finding new ways to hold federal funds hostage to ideological battles."
If enacted, the proposed requirement could sew confusion and doubt about federal funding across state agencies as well as private entities that receive federal funding, such as nonprofits and colleges and universities, and potentially threaten them with civil and criminal penalties.
On January 27, 2026, GSA published a notice proposing to amend its Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications, a standard all federal funding applicants and recipients must agree to in order to register for the federal government's System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
Registration in SAM.gov is a mandatory step to apply for and receive federal funding. The proposal would, among other things, require funding applicants and recipients to certify they will not engage in so-called "illegal DEI" and references President Trump's executive order titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity" as well as guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Justice titled "Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination." The order and guidance direct recipients of federal funding against practicing programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The attorneys general call for GSA to withdraw the proposal, pointing out that it is unlawful in multiple ways, including under the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and the Constitution's Spending Clause. In addition, it will chill protected speech and activity.
In filing the letter, Attorney General Davenport joins the attorneys general of California, New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
View Comment Letter (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026.03.27-Attorneys-General-Comment-Opposing-GSA-Information-Collection-3090-0290.final_.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-opposes-unprecedented-barriers-to-federal-funding-requests/
In Allegheny County, Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Davis Encourage Eligible Pennsylvanians to Take Advantage of the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit Before April 15th Filing Deadline
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 31 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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In Allegheny County, Governor Shapiro and Lt. Governor Davis Encourage Eligible Pennsylvanians to Take Advantage of the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit Before April 15th Filing Deadline
The new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC) is expected to deliver $193.5 million in tax relief to nearly one million Pennsylvanians this tax season.
Approximately 450,000 hardworking Pennsylvanians - including nearly 40,000 in Allegheny County - who qualify to receive the
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 31 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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In Allegheny County, Governor Shapiro and Lt. Governor Davis Encourage Eligible Pennsylvanians to Take Advantage of the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit Before April 15th Filing Deadline
The new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC) is expected to deliver $193.5 million in tax relief to nearly one million Pennsylvanians this tax season.
Approximately 450,000 hardworking Pennsylvanians - including nearly 40,000 in Allegheny County - who qualify to receive thenew WPTC have yet to file and claim the credit.
The WPTC is the seventh tax cut Governor Shapiro has delivered since taking office and is part of his broader plan to put more money back into the pockets of Pennsylvanians across all 67 counties.
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Turtle Creek, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis visited legislative and community leaders in Allegheny County to encourage eligible Pennsylvanians to take advantage of the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC) as they file their taxes prior to this year's April 15th tax deadline to receive more money as part of their tax refunds.
One of seven tax cuts the Governor and Lieutenant Governor have secured since taking office, the WPTC was created in the 2025-26 budget and will put as much as $805 back into the pockets of approximately 940,000 hardworking Pennsylvanians, easing the burden of rising costs for families across the Commonwealth. While the Department of Revenue has received tax returns from 492,960 filers claiming the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, approximately 450,000 Pennsylvanians who qualify have yet to file their taxes and claim this credit - including nearly 40,000 residents of Allegheny County.
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"When I took office, I made a commitment to cut costs for Pennsylvanians and my Administration is making real progress," said Governor Shapiro. "The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is the seventh tax cut we've delivered through bipartisan work with the Legislature -- but there are more than 400,000 hardworking Pennsylvanians who have yet to claim this credit, and I want to make sure everyone who is eligible, will get this money back into their pockets."
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With the WPTC in effect, for the first time in more than 50 years, the Commonwealth has authorized a new tax benefit specifically for low-income Pennsylvanians. Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the WPTC equals 10 percent of the federal credit and anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC will be automatically eligible for both credits.
"Governor Shapiro and I are putting money back in the pockets of the working families who need it most -- and that's not just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. We know families will put that money right back into their communities -- whether it's buying shoes for their kids, grabbing dinner at a local pizza shop, or signing them up for baseball or swimming lessons," said Lt. Governor Davis. "And when you add in savings from the Child Care Tax Credit or student loan relief, we're talking about real, meaningful support that's making a difference for working families across Pennsylvania."
The Governor and Lt. Governor visited Human Services Center Mon Valley (HSCMV), a nonprofit dedicated to helping the people of the Mon Valley live a better life, to urge Pennsylvanians to check their eligibility for the WPTC and take advantage of the tax-filing resources that are available across the Commonwealth, like HSCMV's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
"We have a lengthy history of responding to community needs here in the Mon Valley and the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit has already increased the return dollars for the people that we serve," said Dave Coplan, Executive Director, Human Services Center Mon Valley. "Governor Shapiro has made it a priority to help countless Pennsylvanians with their economic circumstances."
HSCMV works to provide tax filing assistance through the VITA program organized by the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, offering services like free tax preparation and financial education, with volunteers who are ready to help people file their returns for free and claim their available tax relief, including dollars distributed through the WPTC.
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About the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
Pennsylvanians qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit based on income and number of dependents. The maximum state credit is $805.
* When Pennsylvanians file their federal and state taxes together this tax season, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue will automatically calculate the state credit.
* Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC will automatically qualify for the state credit, helping reduce taxes owed and get more money back to hardworking Pennsylvanians.
* Free tax preparation services support Pennsylvanians with filing assistance, including HSCMV. This tax season, HSCMV has helped process 517 federal tax returns, returning $784,987 in federal refunds to their clients and 455 state tax returns, returning $31,084 to their clients.
Putting Money Back Into the Pockets of Pennsylvanians
As of this week, the Shapiro Administration is more than halfway to its expected $193.5 million in total tax relief from the WPTC, secured in the 2025-26 budget.
More than 35,000 Pennsylvanians in Allegheny County claiming the WPTC have filed their taxes with DOR, delivering $9 million to people who have claimed the new credit.
For eligible Pennsylvanians:
* A single working parent with three children earning $23,300 would receive the maximum of $805.
* A single working parent with two children who earns $50,000 per year would receive $154.
* A single working parent with three children who earns $45,000 per year would receive $349.
* A married couple with two children making $30,470 would receive $715.
* A married couple with three children making $60,000 would receive $183.
"With the support of forward thinking state policies under the leadership of the Shapiro-Davis administration, I believe the Mon Valley is starting to turn a corner," said Senator Nick Pisciottano, PA's 45th Senatorial District "New state programs like the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and the Child Care Tax Credit are the difference between a growing and a slowing economy -- and a growing economy uplifts every Pennsylvanian."
"One of the best parts in the state budget was the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit," said Representative Brandon Markosek, PA's 25th House District. "I was proud to vote for it to help working families get more money back into their pockets. I appreciate Governor Shapiro bringing everyone to the table to get it done."
This chart shows the maximum federal EITC and the corresponding maximum Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit -- equal to 10 percent of the federal amount -- along with the estimated number of Pennsylvanians who will benefit this tax season.
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ESTIMATED BENEFICIARIES -- Tax Filing Year 2025
Federal EITC Amount of Credit Maximum ... Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit Maximum ... Pennsylvanians Benefiting
Qualifying Dependent(s) Claimed ... Maximum Federal Credit ... Maximum State Credit ... Number
Zero ... $649 ... $65 ... 261,739
One ... $4,328 ... $433 ... 314,291
Two ... $7,152 ... $715 ... 230,575
Three or more ... $8,046 ... $805 ... 133,641
Total ... 940,246
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Building on Three Years of Progress
The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit builds on six additional tax cuts Governor Shapiro has enacted since taking office:
* Expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program -- the largest targeted tax cut for seniors in nearly two decades. Last year, more than 513,000 Pennsylvanians received nearly $315 million dollars in rebates.
* Creating the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit to help businesses support working parents.
* Expanding the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit -- now matching 100 percent of the federal credit. Last year, this credit delivered $139 million to nearly 222,000 working families.
* Allowing student loan interest deduction up to $2,500.
* Lowering the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) -- saving businesses more than $2.9 billion, with the rate continuing to drop.
* Increasing Net Operating Loss (NOL) deductions to help small businesses grow.
Read the Governor's 2026-27 proposed budget in brief here (https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/budget/documents/publications-and-reports/commonwealthbudget/2026-27-budget-documents/2026-27%20budget%20in%20brief.final.web.v.2.pdf).
Watch Governor Shapiro's full budget address to a joint session of the House and Senate here (https://pacast.com/m?p=28916) and read the Governor's full remarks as prepared for delivery here (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-s-2026-27-budget-address-as-prepared-for-delive).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-encourages-use-of-the-working-pennsylvanians-tax-cre
Hawaii Health Dept. Cites Used Oil Transporter and Processor For Operating Without a Permit
HONOLULU, Hawaii, March 31 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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DOH CITES USED OIL TRANSPORTER AND PROCESSOR FOR OPERATING WITHOUT A PERMIT
The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) against Unitek Solvent Services, Inc. (Unitek) for violating the state's used oil management laws. Unitek has been cited for the following:
* Operating multiple used oil transporter/transfer facility locations without a permit,
* Operating a used oil recycling/processing facility without a permit,
* Failure
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, March 31 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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DOH CITES USED OIL TRANSPORTER AND PROCESSOR FOR OPERATING WITHOUT A PERMIT
The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Notice of Violation and Order (NOVO) against Unitek Solvent Services, Inc. (Unitek) for violating the state's used oil management laws. Unitek has been cited for the following:
* Operating multiple used oil transporter/transfer facility locations without a permit,
* Operating a used oil recycling/processing facility without a permit,
* Failureto notify and obtain an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ID number, and
* Failure to submit annual used oil reports.
Non-financial record reviews by the DOH identified violations across four Unitek locations. The NOVO alleges that Unitek failed to renew permits for its O'ahu and Kaua'i facilities, failed to properly notify the DOH and apply for a used oil permit after relocating its Maui facility, and failed to submit annual used oil reports for facilities on O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui and Hawai'i Island. Used oil transporters and recyclers/processors are required by statute to obtain a permit before operating and regulations require notification and annual reporting.
Unitek has been assessed a fine of $116,250 for nine violations. In addition to paying the penalty, Unitek has been ordered to correct the violations, including submitting a notification, permit applications and annual reports. Unitek has 20 days to respond to the order.
To protect Hawai'i from pollutants that endanger people and the environment, the DOH regulates the transportation, storage, processing, burning and disposal of used oil. The DOH Solid & Hazardous Waste Branch promotes pollution prevention and waste minimization, develops partnerships with waste generators and the regulated community, guides the rehabilitation of contaminated lands and aggressively enforces environmental laws.
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Original text here: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-cites-used-oil-transporter-and-processor-for-operating-without-a-permit/
As Trump Rolls Back Protections, Pa. Gov. Newsom Signs First-of-its-Kind Executive Order to Strengthen AI Protections and Responsible Use
SACRAMENTO, California, March 31 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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As Trump rolls back protections, Governor Newsom signs first-of-its-kind executive order to strengthen AI protections and responsible use
What you need to know: While the federal government dismantles contracting standards and removes basic protections for Americans, Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order to explore stronger AI standards for state procurement -- ensuring that companies demonstrate responsible policies and meet rigorous privacy and security
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, March 31 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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As Trump rolls back protections, Governor Newsom signs first-of-its-kind executive order to strengthen AI protections and responsible use
What you need to know: While the federal government dismantles contracting standards and removes basic protections for Americans, Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order to explore stronger AI standards for state procurement -- ensuring that companies demonstrate responsible policies and meet rigorous privacy and securitystandards while expanding the state's responsible and ethical use of AI to make government more efficient, effective and engaged.
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Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order today to strengthen California's procurement processes and raise the bar for artificial intelligence companies seeking to do business with the state. The order aims to ensure that companies meet strong standards and demonstrate responsible policies that prevent misuse of their technology, while protecting users' safety and privacy. Unlike the Trump administration, California remains committed to ensuring that AI solutions adopted and deployed by the largest state in the nation and 4th largest economy in the world cannot be misused by bad actors seeking to exploit their users' data, subvert their security, and violate their civil rights.
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"California's always been the birthplace of innovation. But we also understand the flip side: in the wrong hands, innovation can be misused in ways that put people at risk. California leads in AI, and we're going to use every tool we have to ensure companies protect people's rights, not exploit them or put them in harm's way. While others in Washington are designing policy and creating contracts in the shadow of misuse, we're focused on doing this the right way."
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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The order also commits to expanding California's use of GenAI to help deliver improved state services, including a new AI-directed tool to help Californians navigate available programs and benefits by life event, such as starting a business or finding a job. The executive order can be viewed here.
California is the fourth-largest economy in the world, the birthplace of tech, and the top pipeline for tech talent, and has demonstrated its ability to responsibly advance innovation and safeguards -- helping everyone from the nation's largest valued tech companies to pre-seed startups to thrive.
California's tech leadership
The announcement follows the Trump administration's recent contracting missteps and attempts to require companies to violate their users' privacy and civil rights and to deploy technologies that would put individuals' safety at risk. Meanwhile, California is taking a different approach.
Governor Newsom's order will direct the Government Operations Agency to develop a plan for new state contracting processes and best practices that vet companies based in part on how they attest and explain their policies and safeguards to protect the public from the following with regard to their technology:
* Exploitation or distribution of illegal content
* Models that display bias or lack technology to prevent such bias
* Violations of civil rights and free speech
The order will also enable the state to separate its procurement authorization process from the federal government's if needed and direct the state to leverage AI to improve government service delivery, increase transparency, and strengthen accountability.
The Governor also directs the California Department of Technology to create recommendations and best practices for watermarking AI-generated images or manipulated video consistent with state law -- the first of its kind nationwide.
Read the full executive order here (https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3.30-FINAL-Trusted-AI-Procurement-EO-N-5-26.pdf).
AI's impact on our workforce
With opportunities created by AI come questions about job security and the potential for the technology to have a disruptive impact on the California workforce. Californians deserve the opportunity to weigh in on how state policy responds to this emerging technology and shapes the future economy. Last year, Governor Newsom announced a first-in-the-nation digital democracy platform, Engaged California, a new tool to help the state build communication and engagement with Californians. The tool was first launched as a pilot to allow Angelenos to better shape recovery after the LA firestorms. The tool was then used to provide state employees with the opportunity to inform efficiency efforts in state government.
Governor Newsom is announcing today that the state is launching the first statewide engagement effort with all Californians through Engaged California, providing a stronger tool to help guide the state's response to AI and its impact on the workforce. This new first-in-the-nation digital democracy effort will roll out in the upcoming months.
This effort is in contrast to the Trump administration and congressional Republicans, who have proven themselves incapable of passing even the most basic protections when it comes to AI. This also adds to Governor Newsom's work putting California more out front on advancing AI than any other state:
* Directing the state to responsibly integrate generative AI into state operations, including directing the development of innovative new procurement mechanisms, AI sandboxes to pilot the technology, new cybersecurity assessments, and new guidelines to ensure safe and ethical use.
* Advancing cutting-edge policy by commissioning a report from world-leading AI academics and experts to help advance responsible AI governance.
* Leading with efficiency, issuing an executive order to solicit input from state employees and partnering with executive and tech leaders to expand the use of efficiency tools, including AI, within state government.
* Making Californians' lives better through GenAI, reducing highway congestion, improving roadway safety, and improving wildfire detection, among other new initiatives.
* Leveraging industry partnerships with Nvidia, Google, Adobe, IBM, and Microsoft to help prepare the current and future generation to lead an AI-ready workforce, including expanding access to AI trainings for over two million students and faculty in public high schools and universities across California, including community colleges and California State Universities.
California's innovation economy dominates
California is home to 33 of the top 50 privately held AI companies around the globe and leads with 25% of all AI patents, conference papers, and companies.
* The Bay Area captured a majority of U.S. AI startup funding in the past year. From Q3 2024 to Q2 2025, the Bay Area attracted 51% of ALL U.S. AI startup funding on Carta's platform -- far ahead of the entire state of New York (11%) and Boston (5.5%).
* California leads U.S. demand for AI talent. In 2024, 15.7% of all U.S. AI job postings were in California -- #1 by state, well ahead of Texas (8.8%) and New York (5.8%), per the 2025 Stanford AI Index.
* In 2024, more than half of global VC funding for AI and machine learning startups went to companies in the Bay Area.
* California is home to three of the four companies that have passed the $3 trillion valuation mark. Each of these California-based companies -- Google, Apple, and Nvidia -- are tech companies involved in AI and have created hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Birthplace of modern tech
California works closely to foster tech leadership and create an environment where industry and talent thrive. This is why California is home to the most tech companies in the nation. California is the global leader in technology and is balancing its work to advance AI with commonsense laws to protect the public, while also embracing the technology to make our lives easier and make government more efficient, effective, and transparent.
California currently has laws that help:
* Foster and guide the development of frontier AI models
* Safeguard against the risks of catastrophic harms
* Create strong protocols for child safety and protections against self-harm
* Crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking
* Protect performers' digital likenesses
* Prevent scams from AI-generated robocalls
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/03/30/as-trump-rolls-back-protections-governor-newsom-signs-first-of-its-kind-executive-order-to-strengthen-ai-protections-and-responsible-use/
Ala. Economic & Community Affairs Dept.: Gov. Ivey Awards Three Grants for Crime-Prevention Programs
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 31 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news on March 30, 2026:
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Gov. Ivey awards three grants for crime-prevention programs
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded three grants worth a total of $194,941 to programs that fight crime and recidivism through drug treatment and life skills training in several Alabama counties.
Gov. Ivey allocated $75,000 each to the RCA Foundation and Extended Family. The RCA Foundation provides substance abuse treatment to people in drug court and court referral programs in Autauga, Butler, Conecuh,
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 31 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news on March 30, 2026:
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Gov. Ivey awards three grants for crime-prevention programs
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded three grants worth a total of $194,941 to programs that fight crime and recidivism through drug treatment and life skills training in several Alabama counties.
Gov. Ivey allocated $75,000 each to the RCA Foundation and Extended Family. The RCA Foundation provides substance abuse treatment to people in drug court and court referral programs in Autauga, Butler, Conecuh,Crenshaw, Elmore and Lowndes counties. Extended Family is based in Centre and offers guidance to at-risk youth in Calhoun, Cherokee, DeKalb and Etowah counties.
Tuscaloosa's One Place will use its grant of $44,941 to support a mentoring and workforce training program for youth in Tuscaloosa County who have had repeated involvement in the juvenile justice system.
"These programs steer people away from criminal activities and toward healthier and more productive lifestyles," Gov. Ivey said. "I am pleased to award these funds supporting initiatives to reduce crime and drug abuse in our communities."
Based in Montgomery, the RCA Foundation serves nearby counties, helping bridge the gap in drug treatment options for those in more rural areas. Extended Family serves children with loved ones who are incarcerated, offering lessons on job readiness, health and communication. Tuscaloosa's One Place operates the Empowering Youth for Success - 2nd Chance program, an initiative designed to reduce recidivism and direct youth onto a more positive life path.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants with funds made available through the U.S. Department of Justice.
"ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these programs that share the goal of making communities safer," ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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Original text here: https://adeca.alabama.gov/2026/03/30/gov-ivey-awards-three-grants-for-crime-prevention-programs/
Ala. Economic & Community Affairs Dept.: Gov. Ivey Awards Grants to Fund Statewide Narcotics Enforcement
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 31 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news on March 30, 2026:
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Gov. Ivey awards grants to fund statewide narcotics enforcement
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $800,000 in grants to pursue narcotics cases and investigate drug-related crimes throughout the state.
Gov. Ivey awarded $100,000 each to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the state's seven regional task forces, which together make up the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force. ALEA oversees the overall task force, and the regional task forces include officers from
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 31 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news on March 30, 2026:
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Gov. Ivey awards grants to fund statewide narcotics enforcement
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $800,000 in grants to pursue narcotics cases and investigate drug-related crimes throughout the state.
Gov. Ivey awarded $100,000 each to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the state's seven regional task forces, which together make up the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force. ALEA oversees the overall task force, and the regional task forces include officers fromlaw enforcement agencies within their regions. These officers have jurisdiction to pursue narcotics cases statewide.
"The Drug Enforcement Task Force is a great benefit to Alabama's law enforcement community, allowing local agencies from around the state to coordinate and share resources, all in the name of keeping our communities safe," Gov. Ivey said. "I am pleased to award these funds to support the task force's mission of apprehending traffickers and taking illegal drugs off the street."
ALEA reported that in 2025, the task force made 908 arrests and confiscated $490,000 along with a variety of drugs and illegal substances.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
"ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of the officers who work tirelessly to arrest dangerous criminals and rid communities of drugs," ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. "This initiative strengthens public safety throughout the state."
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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Original text here: https://adeca.alabama.gov/2026/03/30/gov-ivey-awards-grants-to-fund-statewide-narcotics-enforcement/
West Virginia Attorney General Pushes for State, Local Authority to Combat Illegal Drone Drops at Prisons
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, March 31 -- The West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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West Virginia Attorney General Pushes for State, Local Authority to Combat Illegal Drone Drops at Prisons
Attorney General JB McCuskey has joined a multistate effort to combat the alarming rise in drones that are illegally dropping contraband into prisons, including narcotics, weapons, cell phones and other items. This drone use is a major public safety threat impacting correctional facilities across the country, and it is fueling broader crime
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, March 31 -- The West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on March 30, 2026:
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West Virginia Attorney General Pushes for State, Local Authority to Combat Illegal Drone Drops at Prisons
Attorney General JB McCuskey has joined a multistate effort to combat the alarming rise in drones that are illegally dropping contraband into prisons, including narcotics, weapons, cell phones and other items. This drone use is a major public safety threat impacting correctional facilities across the country, and it is fueling broader crimeboth inside and outside of prison walls.
Per federal law, only a narrow set of federal agencies are authorized to detect, track and mitigate unauthorized drones. Thus, correctional officials - who are on the front lines of this issue - often lack the legal authority and the necessary tools to intervene in real time. To address this gap, AG McCuskey and 20 other attorneys general are asking the Trump administration to provide state and local law enforcement with the ability to disable or intercept drones before they reach the prison.
"These drones pose a serious risk to guards at the prisons and the prisoners themselves. We've seen drones used to deliver contraband at a federal prison in McDowell County, so we know this problem is happening here in West Virginia and across the country," McCuskey said. "We are optimistic the Trump Administration will work with our state and local authorities to close this loophole that has prevented our prison officers from intercepting the drones."
In a letter sent to Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counter Terrorism, the attorneys general commend the administration's creation of the Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty. They also underscore the sharp increase in drone drops over prison grounds.
As stated in the letter, this type of illegal activity "is happening all over the country and the consequences are severe. The introduction of drugs contributes to addiction, violence, and overdose incidents.
For this reason, the attorneys general request that the Task Force, led by Dr. Gorka, work with federal agencies to grant carefully defined authority for state and local law enforcement to address this threat quickly and efficiently. They also recommend continued collaboration with federal partners to investigate and prosecute those who use drones to introduce contraband into correctional facilities.
In addition to West Virginia, the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas have also signed onto this Georgia-led letter.
Find a copy of the letter here (https://ago.wv.gov/media/37697/download?inline).
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INFODOC: https://ago.wv.gov/media/37697/download?inline
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Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov/article/west-virginia-attorney-general-pushes-state-local-authority-combat-illegal-drone-drops
