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Va. A.G. Jones Visited Danville to Highlight Historic Crime Reduction Initiatives
RICHMOND, Virginia, June 30 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Visited Danville to Highlight Historic Crime Reduction Initiatives
Hosted crime reduction roundtable, engaged with community organizations, and met with local leaders
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Attorney General Jay Jones visited Danville, Virginia on Friday, June 26, to discuss the city's violent crime reduction strategies and resources. Danville reported a historic 40-year low in violent crime for 2025, continuing an overall crime reduction trend there for a sixth
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RICHMOND, Virginia, June 30 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Visited Danville to Highlight Historic Crime Reduction Initiatives
Hosted crime reduction roundtable, engaged with community organizations, and met with local leaders
-
Attorney General Jay Jones visited Danville, Virginia on Friday, June 26, to discuss the city's violent crime reduction strategies and resources. Danville reported a historic 40-year low in violent crime for 2025, continuing an overall crime reduction trend there for a sixthyear in a row. Attorney General Jones praised the collaboration between these entities and for the progress they have made together in service of their communities.
"As communities around the Commonwealth look to reduce violent crime and keep their residents safe, it was a privilege to sit down with local leaders from Danville to learn more about the partnerships they have built to achieve a 40-year low in violent crime," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "The tremendous results we are seeing in Danville demonstrate that when we bring a diverse set of stakeholders together and work to address the drivers of violent crime comprehensively, we can make a difference. I applaud local leaders for their efforts and look forward to seeing continued progress in the years to come."
In addition to hosting a roundtable discussion with local leaders, Attorney General Jones spent the day meeting with local leaders, touring facilities, and engaging with community partners. His visit included a tour of the Danville Police Department to learn more about the innovative work they doing to improve public safety, a sit-down Danville Public Defenders Office to better understand the unique challenges they face serving clients with unique and diverse needs, and a tour of the John M. Langston campus, where partnerships with the local school division are driving career advancement and economic development.
WSLS: AG Jay Jones highlights Danville's crime reduction efforts as model for other Virginia communities
Virginia Attorney General (AG) Jay Jones visited Danville to highlight the city's efforts to reduce violent crime and discuss how its approach could serve as a model for other communities across the state.
AG Jones met with city leaders and community partners during a crime reduction roundtable, where officials discussed the partnerships and programs they credit with helping Danville reach historic lows in violent crime and overdoses.
"We want to make sure that we're spreading that message and going into other communities that may need to find some new solutions," said AG Jones
The roundtable brought together 15 people involved in the city's crime prevention efforts, including Danville Mayor Alonso Jones, Vice Mayor James Buckner and Violence Prevention Manager Robert David.
[...]
"I think we have a unique situation here in Danville," David said. "We have various resources coming together in order to fight the violent crime in the city."
Danville officials say the city saw violent crime reach a 40-year low in 2025, decreasing by 28%. The city also reported a 48% reduction in overdoses during the same year.
David said addressing the root causes behind violence, including poverty, education gaps and a lack of resources, has been central to the city's strategy.
WSET: Virginia attorney general praises Danville's crime reduction efforts during visit
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones visited Danville on Friday to meet with city leaders for a roundtable discussion on reducing violent crime, as the city celebrates a historic drop in crime rates.
According to the Danville Police Department's 2025 Crime Statistics Report, violent crime fell 28 percent in 2025, contributing to the city's lowest overall crime rate in 40 years. The report shows declines in homicide, aggravated assault, robbery and rape. Property crime also decreased.
City officials credited continued collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations and violence prevention programs for the progress.
"There's really no boundaries on what can be done as a whole," said Robert David, the city's violence prevention manager. "We continue to grow and continue to do the work that we've been doing and create this atmosphere where everyone is welcome in the city."
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3060-attorney-general-jay-jones-visited-danville-to-highlight-historic-crime-reduction-initiatives
S.D. A.G. Jackley's 2026 Legislative Bills Become Law July 1
PIERRE, South Dakota, June 30 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley's 2026 Legislative Bills Become Law July 1
All 10 of South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley's bills that he proposed during the 2026 legislative session officially become law Wednesday, July 1. The measures were approved by legislators and signed by the Governor.
"These bills protect our citizens from online predators, scammers, and illegal drugs, while they strengthen transparency within state government," said Attorney General
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PIERRE, South Dakota, June 30 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley's 2026 Legislative Bills Become Law July 1
All 10 of South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley's bills that he proposed during the 2026 legislative session officially become law Wednesday, July 1. The measures were approved by legislators and signed by the Governor.
"These bills protect our citizens from online predators, scammers, and illegal drugs, while they strengthen transparency within state government," said Attorney GeneralJackley. "Thank you to all who testified on behalf of these bills and the support we received from legislators and the Governor."
"In South Dakota, we protect our people, and we stand for what's right," said Gov. Larry Rhoden. "I am grateful for Attorney General Jackley's efforts to promote public safety, and I was proud to sign these important pieces of legislation into law."
The 10 bills are:
* Senate Bill 17: Prohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting contributions or loans made by a foreign national. It unanimously passed both the House and Senate.
* Senate Bill 41: Revise a provision related to criminal invasions of privacy, prohibit the creation and distribution of digitally fabricated material of an identifiable individual, and provide penalties therefor.
* Senate Bill 42: Enhance the penalties for ingestion, possession with intent to deliver, and delivery of a controlled substance in a state correctional facility.
* Senate Bill 43: Address search and seizure provisions applicable to digital currency.
* Senate Bill 44: Establish investigative subpoena authority to gather business records in certain investigations.
* Senate Bill 45: Revise a provision regulating delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, THC-O acetate, and hexahydrocannabinol for persons under the age of under the age of twenty-one and to provide a penalty therefor.
* Senate Bill 46: Modify the requirements for open meeting agendas and provide a penalty therefor.
* Senate Bill 47: Revise the requirements for executive sessions and closed meetings.
* Senate Bill 48: Clarify that an official open meeting agenda must be posted online at least seventy-two hours before the scheduled start of the meeting.
* Senate Bill 49: Safeguards the integrity, privacy, and security of genetic data and provides a civil penalty therefor.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3101
R.I. A.G. Neronha, Coalition Sue Trump Administration for Unlawful Implementation of New Medicaid Work Requirements
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, June 30 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha, coalition sue Trump Administration for unlawful implementation of new Medicaid work requirements
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general and two governors in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for its unlawful implementation of new Medicaid work requirements included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Specifically, the lawsuit challenges provisions of an interim final
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, June 30 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha, coalition sue Trump Administration for unlawful implementation of new Medicaid work requirements
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general and two governors in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for its unlawful implementation of new Medicaid work requirements included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Specifically, the lawsuit challenges provisions of an interim finalrule published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 3, 2026. Medicaid is the nation's safety net healthcare program for low-income Americans and is jointly funded by states and the federal government, with the federal government providing at least 50% of the cost of services.
"As the Trump Administration continues to govern by chaos, their erratic, unlawful behavior is harming our most vulnerable Americans," said Attorney General Neronha. "This eleventh hour attempt to further narrow protections for medically frail Medicaid recipients seeks to punish those who cannot fend for themselves. Further, this Administration is once again attempting to sidestep Congress by unlawfully reinterpreting the law, and coercing the states to rush to implement their last-minute changes or face penalties. So while we may have a President that is more concerned about the health of a reflecting pool than the health of Americans, we will fight to stop their unlawful attempts to further restrict health care access."
Congress created exemptions from Medicaid's work requirements to ensure that people with serious illnesses and disabilities do not lose coverage or face interruptions in care. Despite months of working with states on implementation, CMS surprised states with the interim final rule, "Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals," which adopted a new interpretation of key terms like "medically frail" and makes it harder for medically vulnerable individuals to be excused from the work requirements. While the work requirement provision applies beginning January 1, 2027, states must notify Medicaid recipients about these changes by August 31, 2026, and need significant lead time to prepare those communications. They cannot wait for CMS to address the deficiencies through the ongoing rulemaking process. As a result, the attorneys general are seeking to block implementation of the interim final rule's illegal provisions and to have them ultimately struck down. States have already made substantial investments in reliance on the plain language of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and CMS's prior guidance and now face the risk of harsh financial penalties for noncompliance with the interim final rule.
The interim final rule makes other changes that increase administrative burdens, create unnecessary red tape, and put eligible people at risk of losing their health coverage -- including those who are already working or qualify for an exemption. The rule disregards substantial evidence that should have been considered, fails to adequately evaluate reasonable alternatives, and does not give states clear or workable guidance. Past Medicaid work requirement programs have shown that added red tape causes eligible people to lose coverage, placing greater strain on state Medicaid programs, safety net providers, and emergency rooms, while increasing costs as more medically frail residents become uninsured.
In today's lawsuit, the coalition alleges that the interim final rule:
* Unlawfully narrows Congress's protections for medically frail Medicaid recipients.
* Violates the Administrative Procedure Act by ignoring substantial evidence that work reporting requirements cause eligible individuals to lose healthcare coverage because of administrative barriers rather than failure to work.
* Fails to adequately consider the significant harms that will be imposed on states, Medicaid beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and state healthcare systems.
* Unconstitutionally coerces states by imposing new compliance requirements after states had already begun implementing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act based on the statute's plain language and CMS's prior guidance.
Joining Attorney General Neronha in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, as well as the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-coalition-sue-trump-administration-unlawful-implementation
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Two OKC Boutique Owners Face Felony Counts Over $3 Million in Fake Luxury Merchandise
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 30 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Two OKC boutique owners face felony counts over $3 million in fake luxury merchandise
Two Oklahoma City boutique owners are under arrest after the Multi-County Grand Jury indicted them on felony charges involving millions in fake designer merchandise.
33-year-old Denia Gainza Almaguer, owner of Mohap Boutique, located at 1022 S.W. 59 St., was indicted on one count of violating the Trademark Anti-Counterfeiting Act. Investigators discovered more than $1 million
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 30 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Two OKC boutique owners face felony counts over $3 million in fake luxury merchandise
Two Oklahoma City boutique owners are under arrest after the Multi-County Grand Jury indicted them on felony charges involving millions in fake designer merchandise.
33-year-old Denia Gainza Almaguer, owner of Mohap Boutique, located at 1022 S.W. 59 St., was indicted on one count of violating the Trademark Anti-Counterfeiting Act. Investigators discovered more than $1 millionin counterfeit luxury goods from her store, including merchandise bearing the trademarks of Alexander McQueen, Alo, Balenciaga, Burberry, Cartier, Chanel, Christian Dior and Fendi.
Yude Erlinda Arellanes Perez, 42, owned Yude's Boutique and BrayKay Jewelry, located at 2843 S.W. 44 St. She was indicted on two counts of violating the Trademark Anti-Counterfeiting Act. Following a search warrant executed by the Oklahoma City Police Department's Vice Unit, investigators recovered counterfeit products such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel and Coach. The total manufacturer's suggested retail price of the goods was approximately $2 million.
"Counterfeit goods aren't just a rip-off for consumers - they fund criminal enterprises and undercut legitimate businesses," Attorney General Gentner Drummond said. "I commend the Multi-County Grand Jury and our law enforcement partners for their work to hold accountable those who profit from selling fake goods in our state."
Every person arrested or charged is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.
Read Almaguer's Indictment (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/june/Almaguer%20filed%20indictment_Redacted.pdf)
Read Perez's Indictment (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/june/Perez%20filed%20Indictment_Redacted.pdf)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/june/two-okc-boutique-owners-face-felony-counts-over-3-million-in-fake-luxury-merchandise.html
North Dakota Attorney General Issued an Opinion to Morton County Housing Authority
BISMARCK, North Dakota, June 30 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
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The North Dakota Attorney General issued an opinion to the Morton County Housing Authority
Request: Karen Jordan requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the Morton County Housing Authority (the Housing Authority) violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18 by failing to respond to a records request to its management agent in his capacity as a Mandan Public School Board member.
CONCLUSIONS
It is my opinion that the Housing Authority did not violate
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BISMARCK, North Dakota, June 30 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
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The North Dakota Attorney General issued an opinion to the Morton County Housing Authority
Request: Karen Jordan requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the Morton County Housing Authority (the Housing Authority) violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18 by failing to respond to a records request to its management agent in his capacity as a Mandan Public School Board member.
CONCLUSIONS
It is my opinion that the Housing Authority did not violateN.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18 because a request for records had not been made to the Housing Authority.
Link to opinion (https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-O-13.pdf)
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/the-north-dakota-attorney-general-issued-an-opinion-to-the-morton-county-housing-authority/
Ga. A.G. Carr Indicts 16 for Gang-Related Assaults at Coffee Correctional Facility
ATLANTA, Georgia, June 30 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Carr Indicts 16 for Gang-Related Assaults at Coffee Correctional Facility
COFFEE COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Gang Prosecution Unit has indicted 16 individuals in connection with a series of assaults that occurred at the Coffee Correctional Facility (CCF) on Dec. 13, 2025. As asserted in the indictment, all 16 defendants are members of the Bloods criminal street gang, and they were all in CCF custody at the time of the incident.
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ATLANTA, Georgia, June 30 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Carr Indicts 16 for Gang-Related Assaults at Coffee Correctional Facility
COFFEE COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Gang Prosecution Unit has indicted 16 individuals in connection with a series of assaults that occurred at the Coffee Correctional Facility (CCF) on Dec. 13, 2025. As asserted in the indictment, all 16 defendants are members of the Bloods criminal street gang, and they were all in CCF custody at the time of the incident.Specifically, they are alleged to have stabbed and assaulted multiple inmates in the facility. The victims sustained critical injuries and were transported out of CCF for life-saving medical care.
"Gang activity won't be tolerated in this state, no matter where it's found, and we appreciate our partners at GDC for working with us on this case," said Attorney General Chris Carr. "Together, we're taking down violent criminal networks, and we're prosecuting all those involved. This is exactly why we created our Gang Prosecution Unit, so we could serve as a force multiplier and keep Georgians safe."
This case was investigated by the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Criminal Investigation Division - Southeast Region.
"Identifying and managing those participating in gang activity from behind the walls of our facilities is paramount in our commitment to public safety," said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "Any criminal activity perpetrated inside of our facilities will not be tolerated, and we are grateful to our state and federal partners for their assistance in bringing this case to a close."
Coffee County Indictment
On June 18, 2026, the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit presented evidence to a Coffee County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of all 16 defendants.
Specifically, the defendants are facing the following charges.
Immanuel Scott, 19:
* 2 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 2 counts of Riot in a Penal Institution
* 1 count of Possession of Prohibited Items by Inmates
Joshua Shelton, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Jaylen Jones, 21:
* 2 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 2 counts of Riot in a Penal Institution
* 1 count of Possession of Prohibited Items by Inmates
Kentavious Jefferies, 24:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Derrick Carlton, 26:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Monquavious Russell, 27:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
* 1 count of Possession of Prohibited Items by Inmates
Joseph Melendez, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Keshawn Williams, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Jeremy Caldwell, 27:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Tony Landers, 22:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Kelby Durden, 22:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Kevin Wilson, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Salahudin Haynes, 27:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Tomoresnephia Wright, 31:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Jason Priester, 22:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Sebastian Sanchez, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
* 1 count of Possession of Prohibited Items by Inmates
Read a copy of the indictment (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/061826-coffee-county-gang-indictmentpdf--UNPUBLISHED-document--DO-NOT-SHARE-this-URL--/download). No further information about the investigation or the indictment may be released at this time by the Attorney General's Office.
About the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit
In 2022, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia's first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit.
Since it began its historic work on July 1, 2022, the Gang Prosecution Unit has investigated and prosecuted cases in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Bibb, Bryan, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Dougherty, Fulton, Gwinnett, Laurens, Lowndes, Muscogee, Richmond, Spalding, Thomas, Upson and Washington counties, with roughly 140 convictions secured across the state.
Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and Southeast Georgia.
The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General's Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.
*Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government's burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-06-29/carr-indicts-16-gang-related-assaults-coffee-correctional-facility
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Sues Federal Government Over Unlawful Implementation of Medicaid Work Requirements for Medically Frail Individuals
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 30 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues Federal Government Over Unlawful Implementation of Medicaid Work Requirements for Medically Frail Individuals
As part of a coalition of 24 attorneys general and two governors, Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a lawsuit over the Trump Administration's unlawful implementation of new Medicaid work requirements included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Specifically, the lawsuit challenges provisions of an interim final rule published
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 30 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues Federal Government Over Unlawful Implementation of Medicaid Work Requirements for Medically Frail Individuals
As part of a coalition of 24 attorneys general and two governors, Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a lawsuit over the Trump Administration's unlawful implementation of new Medicaid work requirements included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Specifically, the lawsuit challenges provisions of an interim final rule publishedby the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 3, 2026. Medicaid is the nation's safety net healthcare program for low-income Americans and is jointly funded by states and the federal government, with the federal government providing at least 50% of the cost of services.
"Medicaid exists to protect the most vulnerable Arizonans, and this interim final rule unlawfully undermines that protection," said Attorney General Mayes. "It ignores the law and puts medically frail people at risk of losing the healthcare they depend on. Arizonans otherwise eligible for coverage shouldn't lose access to their healthcare because of unnecessary red tape."
Congress created exemptions from Medicaid's work requirements to ensure that people with serious illnesses and disabilities do not lose coverage or face interruptions in care. Despite months of working with states on implementation, CMS surprised states with the interim final rule, "Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals," which adopted a new interpretation of key terms like "medically frail" and makes it harder for medically vulnerable individuals to be excused from the work requirements. While the work requirement provision applies beginning January 1, 2027, states must notify Medicaid recipients about these changes by August 31, 2026, and need significant lead time to prepare those communications.
They cannot wait for CMS to address the deficiencies through the ongoing rulemaking process. As a result, the coalition is seeking to block implementation of the interim final rule's illegal provisions and to have them ultimately struck down. States had already made substantial investments in reliance on the plain language of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and CMS's prior guidance and now face the risk of harsh financial penalties for noncompliance with the interim final rule.
The interim final rule makes other changes that increase administrative burdens, create unnecessary red tape, and put eligible people at risk of losing their health coverage -- including those who are already working or qualify for an exemption. The rule disregards substantial evidence that should have been considered, fails to adequately evaluate reasonable alternatives, and does not give states clear or workable guidance.
Past Medicaid work requirement programs have shown that added red tape causes eligible people to lose coverage, placing greater strain on state Medicaid programs, safety net providers, and emergency rooms, while increasing costs as more medically frail residents become uninsured.
In today's lawsuit, the coalition alleges that the interim final rule:
* Unlawfully narrows Congress's protections for medically frail Medicaid recipients.
* Violates the Administrative Procedure Act by ignoring substantial evidence that work reporting requirements cause eligible individuals to lose healthcare coverage because of administrative barriers rather than a failure to work.
* Fails to adequately consider the significant harms that will be imposed on states, Medicaid beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and state healthcare systems.
* Unconstitutionally coerces states by imposing new compliance requirements after states had already begun implementing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act based on the statute's plain language and CMS's prior guidance.
AG Mayes joins this lawsuit, co-led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. They were also joined by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai'i, Illinois, the governor of Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, the governor of Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
A copy of the complaint (https://us.list-manage.com/wJKwWWF08F5?e=9153ff6c96&c2id=9a759fc70c6d734a91a2647ef652fab2) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-sues-federal-government-over-unlawful-implementation-medicaid
