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Washington, FTC settlement lowers pesticide prices for farmers
OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 28 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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Washington, FTC settlement lowers pesticide prices for farmers
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The Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of states - including Washington - have secured a proposed settlement with pesticide manufacturing giant Corteva Inc. that will lead to lower pesticide prices for farmers.
The proposed settlement, filed in court late Friday, curbs Corteva's anticompetitive schemes that have blocked competitors from selling cheaper generic products to farmers.
Under the terms of the
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 28 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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Washington, FTC settlement lowers pesticide prices for farmers
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The Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of states - including Washington - have secured a proposed settlement with pesticide manufacturing giant Corteva Inc. that will lead to lower pesticide prices for farmers.
The proposed settlement, filed in court late Friday, curbs Corteva's anticompetitive schemes that have blocked competitors from selling cheaper generic products to farmers.
Under the terms of thesettlement, Corteva will dismantle its existing pesticides loyalty program, which has limited distributors' ability to do business with generic competitors that seek to enter the market after Corteva patents have expired. For a period of 10 years, the proposed order will prohibit Corteva from conditioning payments or other benefits to a distributor on purchasing a high share of a given pesticide active ingredients from Corteva or similarly limiting its purchases of generics.
"This will promote a level playing field in the market where Washington farmers have more choices and ultimately lower costs," Attorney General Nick Brown said. "And it means Washingtonians won't have to pay more for the sake of corporate greed."
The settlement resolves a lawsuit by the FTC and states in 2022, alleging Corteva implemented a post-patent loyalty program that paid distributors to block competitors from selling its cheaper generic products to farmers. It was alleged this conduct allowed Corteva to maintain elevated prices, forcing American farmers to spend millions of dollars more for essential crop protection products.
The complaint makes similar allegations as to Syngenta - another pesticide manufacturing giant - and its post-patent loyalty program. Those allegations remain in litigation.
Ordinarily, lower-priced generic competitors should be able to enter the market and drive down prices once the relevant patent and regulatory exclusivity periods have expired. The complaint alleged the challenged loyalty programs illegally extend Syngenta's and Corteva's monopolies by excluding lower-priced generic competitors from an essential distribution channel. The result was U.S. farmers were forced to overpay for crop protection products.
The proposed settlement agreement places a 10-year prohibition on Corteva from
* Implementing loyalty programs that condition payments to a Corteva distributor customer on the customer purchasing a greater-than-50% share of its requirements of a given pesticide active ingredient from Corteva,
* Implementing share-based programs that limit the share of a generic product that a distributor customer may purchase to under 50% (or the volume equivalent),
* Implementing a volume-based loyalty program for the purpose of replicating or reintroducing a prohibited share-based loyalty program,
* Implementing other, specified conditions that enhanced the exclusionary effect of Corteva's prohibited loyalty program on generic competitors, and
* Discriminating against or threatening customers because they refuse to agree to prohibited exclusive or loyalty terms, or because they conduct business with Corteva's competitors, including generic manufacturers.
The proposed order applies to all Corteva's post-patent active ingredients, extending beyond the three named in the FTC and states' complaint. In addition, the stipulated order requires Corteva to pay the state plaintiffs $35 million to resolve their monetary claims.
Other parties to the settlement include the states of California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Assistant Attorney General Lumi Nodit, Paralegal Michelle Oliver and Legal Assistant Debbie Chase worked on the case for Washington.
A copy of the proposed settlement can be found here.
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Washington's Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state's largest law firm, the Attorney General's Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington's 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
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Original text here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/washington-ftc-settlement-lowers-pesticide-prices-farmers
EL PROCURADOR GENERAL RAOUL COMIENZA MONITORIZACION ELECTORAL, ANIMA A LOS VOTANTES DE ILLINOIS A ELABORAR HOY UN PLAN PARA VOTAR
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 28 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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EL PROCURADOR GENERAL RAOUL COMIENZA MONITORIZACION ELECTORAL, ANIMA A LOS VOTANTES DE ILLINOIS A ELABORAR HOY UN PLAN PARA VOTAR
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Chicago - El Procurador General Kwame Raoul hoy anuncio que equipos de subprocuradores e investigadores de su oficina comenzaran hoy la monitorizacion electoral dado que la votacion anticipada ha empezado en muchas areas del estado.
Ha sido una practica de larga data de la Oficina del Procurador General de monitorear las elecciones en Illinois para asegurar
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 28 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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EL PROCURADOR GENERAL RAOUL COMIENZA MONITORIZACION ELECTORAL, ANIMA A LOS VOTANTES DE ILLINOIS A ELABORAR HOY UN PLAN PARA VOTAR
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Chicago - El Procurador General Kwame Raoul hoy anuncio que equipos de subprocuradores e investigadores de su oficina comenzaran hoy la monitorizacion electoral dado que la votacion anticipada ha empezado en muchas areas del estado.
Ha sido una practica de larga data de la Oficina del Procurador General de monitorear las elecciones en Illinois para asegurarque los derechos de los votantes sean protegidos y los centros de votacion sean accesibles. Raoul urge a los votantes a llamar a su oficina si encuentran actividades sospechosas o ilegales. Los votantes en Chicago y al norte de Illinois pueden llamar a 1-866-536-3496, y votantes al centro y sur de Illinois pueden llamar a 1-866-559-6812. Los individuos con discapacidades auditivas o del habla pueden contactar a la oficina usando el servicio de retransmision 711. Las lineas directas permaneceran abiertas hasta el 17 de noviembre.
"La votacion no solamente se lleva a cabo en el dia de la eleccion, asi que mi oficina ha ampliado sus esfuerzos de monitorizacion para cubrir la votacion anticipada tambien. "En las proximas semanas y en el dia de la eleccion, abogados e investigadores de mi oficina estaran en el campo monitoreando los centros de votacion alrededor de Illinois," dijo Raoul. "Los votantes pueden confiar en que nuestras elecciones son seguras y protegidas y pueden tener la seguridad de que, en Illinois, nos enfocamos en facilitar, y no en limitar, el acceso a las urnas. Los votantes de Illinois tienen varias opciones para emitir su voto, incluyendo por correo, votacion anticipada en persona, y acudiendo a las urnas el dia de la eleccion. Animo a los votantes a elaborar ahora un plan para votar y ejercer este derecho fundamental."
La Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos recientemente decidio a favor de Raoul y una coalicion de procuradurias estatales que las operaciones de la votacion por correo procederan como de costumbre sin ninguna restriccion federal.
Raoul recuerda a los votantes en Illinois que pueden votar por correo por cualquier razon. Los votantes pueden solicitar su boleta por correo con una aplicacion disponible en persona en la oficina de su autoridad electoral local o entrando al sitio web de la Junta de Elecciones del Estado de Illinois. La aplicacion debe entregarse a la autoridad electoral local del votante. Los votantes pueden averiguar su autoridad electoral local, incluyendo los datos de contacto, entrando al sitio web de la Junta de Elecciones del Estado de Illinois. Las boletas por correo se pueden solicitar hasta el dia 29 de octubre.
Las boletas se pueden entregar por correo, a la autoridad electoral local, o en muchas jurisdicciones, en un buzon de votacion seguro. Una lista de ubicaciones de buzones de votacion se encuentra en el sitio web de la Junta de Elecciones del Estado de Illinois.
Raoul anima a todos los votantes que van a votar por correo a entregar sus boletas lo mas pronto posible. Las boletas deben llevar el sello postal con fecha anterior a la medianoche del dia de la eleccion. El Servicio Postal de EE. UU. recomienda que las boletas se envien con minimamente una semana de anticipacion antes de la fecha limite. Los votantes que entregan su boleta en una sucursal del Servicio Postal el dia de la eleccion o cerca de ella deben pedir un sello postal manual en el mostrador.
La votacion anticipada ha empezado en muchas areas de Illinois. Los votantes se pueden informar sobre la votacion anticipada en su area entrando al sitio web de la Junta de Elecciones del Estado de Illinois. Informacion para el condado de Cook se puede encontrar en el sitio web del secretario del Condado de Cook.
Los votantes pueden verificar el estado de su registro como votante con su autoridad electoral local o la Junta de Elecciones del Estado de Illinois. Raoul anima a los habitantes de Illinois que desean registrarse para votar a hacerlo con una fuente de confianza, asi como en la oficina de su autoridad electoral local o con la aplicacion en linea de registro de votante en Illinois de la Junta de Elecciones del Estado de Illinois. Los votantes pueden entregar una aplicacion para registro de votantes de Illinois a su autoridad electoral local hasta el 6 de octubre y pueden registrarse en linea hasta el 18 de octubre. Despues del 18 de octubre, los votantes pueden registrarse en la oficina de su autoridad electoral local conforme a las normas de registro durante el periodo de gracia.
Los votantes pueden informarse mas entrando al centro de recursos electorales en el sitio web de Raoul.
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Original text here: https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/el-procurador-general-raoul-comienza-monitorizacion-electoral-anima-a-los-votantes-de-illinois-a-elaborar-hoy-un-plan-para-votar
California Department of Justice Investigating Madera Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 28 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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California Department of Justice Investigating Madera Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506
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**The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 1506, is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 28 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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California Department of Justice Investigating Madera Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506
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**The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 1506, is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) thatoccurred on September 27, 2026, in Madera, California. The OIS incident, which resulted in the death of one individual, occurred around 12:45 PM and involved the Madera Police Department.
Following notification of this incident, DOJ's California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ's Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review. Anyone who has information related to this OIS incident and wishes to report it may do so by calling (916) 210-2871.
More information on DOJ's role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/california-department-justice-investigating-madera-police-department-officer
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Attorney General Brenna Bird Joins President Trump in Oval Office for Announcement of Largest Steel Plant in American History to be Built in Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 28 -- Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brenna Bird Joins President Trump in Oval Office for Announcement of Largest Steel Plant in American History to be Built in Iowa
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DES MOINES-Attorney General Brenna Bird joined President Donald Trump, Governor Kim Reynolds, Senator Joni Ernst, Representative Ashley Hinson, and Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks in the Oval Office today for the announcement of the largest steel manufacturing investment in American history, rebuilding American manufacturing. This investment
... Show Full Article
DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 28 -- Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brenna Bird Joins President Trump in Oval Office for Announcement of Largest Steel Plant in American History to be Built in Iowa
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DES MOINES-Attorney General Brenna Bird joined President Donald Trump, Governor Kim Reynolds, Senator Joni Ernst, Representative Ashley Hinson, and Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks in the Oval Office today for the announcement of the largest steel manufacturing investment in American history, rebuilding American manufacturing. This investmenthighlights the Trump administration's focus on expanding domestic manufacturing, strengthening American industrial capacity, and creating U.S. jobs.
Mesabi Metallics will invest over $15 billion into building its new fully integrated steel complex in Southeast Iowa. It will be the largest steel plant in the United States.
"This massive investment is the largest steel plant project in U.S. History," said Attorney General Bird. "It means over 1,750 good-paying, family-supporting, steel working jobs for Southeast Iowa. This announcement is not just good news for Iowa, it's good for the entire country. Thanks to President Trump for his leadership and continued commitment to American jobs for American citizens and to Governor Reynolds for her hard work bringing this great opportunity to Iowa."
Mesabi Metallics recently opened the first new iron ore mine in the United States in over 50 years in Minnesota. Iron ore from that mine will be used in the new Iowa steel plant.
The project will support up to 6,000 construction jobs and is projected to add $95 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade.
For More Information:
Contact: Jen Green | jen.green@ag.iowa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/newsroom/attorney-general-brenna-bird-joins-president-trump-in-oval-office-for-announcement-of-largest-steel/
Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration Over Flawed Environmental Assessment for Commercial Drone Delivery Operations
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 28 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration Over Flawed Environmental Assessment for Commercial Drone Delivery Operations
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) insufficient evaluation of the environmental consequences of commercial drone package delivery. Drone operations are subject to environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 28 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration Over Flawed Environmental Assessment for Commercial Drone Delivery Operations
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) insufficient evaluation of the environmental consequences of commercial drone package delivery. Drone operations are subject to environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),and the FAA violated the law's requirement to take a hard look at the environmental consequences that may result from a more expansive rollout of drone delivery operations.
"When it comes to cutting-edge innovation, the Trump Administration should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. As the fourth largest economy in the world -built in large part on technological innovation and a commitment to protecting our communities -California is proving that an economic future doesn't need to come at the cost of our environment. Allowing states to be responsive to innovation while still protecting our planet serves both industry and consumers," said Attorney General Bonta. "Unfortunately, FAA's programmatic environmental assessment falls far short of properly analyzing the environmental impacts that drone package delivery operations may have. At the California Department of Justice, we to stand firm that environmental justice and thoughtful innovation can and should go hand in hand. We will continue to uphold laws such as NEPA as a cornerstone of both."
BACKGROUND
So far, drone delivery operations are already happening in states ranging from California to Arkansas and Florida to Utah. In 2022, Amazon initiated Prime Air deliveries in Lockeford, California and now seeks to expand those operations to additional cities like Tracy, California. These operations generally occur under 400 feet of altitude with packages that weigh less than five pounds. Packages are delivered via rope dropped down from the drone to a delivery location, dropped from a hover height, or by full stop landing.
FAA purported to comply with NEPA by issuing a Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact, and Record of Decision. The PEA provides an overview of nationwide drone package deliveries to occur at future points in time without meaningful contextual information about the impacted communities or environment. It contemplates a dramatic expansion of package delivery by drones but does not adequately address the potential safety risks or other environmental impacts. NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the "reasonably foreseeable environmental effects of the proposed agency action." In doing so, the agency must take a hard look at the environmental impacts. Despite that, the PEA fails to adequately consider the environmental risks. Thus, Attorney General Bonta and the multistate coalition today filed a lawsuit challenging the FAA's PEA, Finding of No Significant Impact, and Record of Decision for commercial drone package delivery.
Attorney General Bonta joins the lawsuit along with the attorneys general of New York, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as Harris County, Texas.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-trump-administration-over-flawed-environmental
Attorney General Bonta Celebrates New Laws Strengthening Protections for Patients and Providers of Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Healthcare
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 28 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Celebrates New Laws Strengthening Protections for Patients and Providers of Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Healthcare
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today celebrated three bills he sponsored -Assembly Bills (AB) 1854 (Krell), 1930 (Zbur), and 2448 (Berman and Bauer-Kahan) -being signed into law over the weekend by Governor Gavin Newsom. The new laws strengthen protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 28 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Celebrates New Laws Strengthening Protections for Patients and Providers of Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Healthcare
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today celebrated three bills he sponsored -Assembly Bills (AB) 1854 (Krell), 1930 (Zbur), and 2448 (Berman and Bauer-Kahan) -being signed into law over the weekend by Governor Gavin Newsom. The new laws strengthen protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirmingcare in California -a direct response to ongoing attacks on these essential services by the Trump Administration and Republican officials nationwide. All three measures take effect on January 1, 2027.
"Patients and providers should not be punished for accessing or providing healthcare that is legal in our state," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "These new laws give California stronger tools to protect sensitive health information and defend reproductive and gender-affirming services against out-of-state interference. I thank Governor Newsom and the Legislature for ensuring California remains a national leader in this fight and for making clear that we will not be intimidated into abandoning our values."
Clarifying California Shield Laws
AB 1854, authored by Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento), expands California's reproductive shield laws and prohibits California businesses and individuals that provide financial services from complying with out-of-state legal demands for protected information. It also clarifies that law enforcement cannot arrest someone if the Governor denies an extradition request -relevant in light of Louisiana's attempt earlier this year to extradite a California abortion provider, which Governor Gavin Newsom rejected.
"I wrote AB 1854 to protect California doctors and patients from out-of-state efforts to reach across our borders and punish people for accessing or providing reproductive healthcare that is legal here," said Assemblymember Maggy Krell. "California has enshrined the right to abortion in our Constitution -we're not going back."
Defending Protected Healthcare in California
AB 1930, authored by Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) and co-sponsored by Equality California, requires business entities in California to notify the Attorney General if they intend to respond to a subpoena or inquiry regarding abortion or gender-affirming care and would authorize the Attorney General to intervene to prevent disclosure of protected abortion or gender-affirming care information.
"California will not allow our institutions to be used to target patients and providers for accessing or providing abortion or gender-affirming care that is legal in our state," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "AB 1930 strengthens California's shield laws by giving California's Attorney General the opportunity to step in before California entities produce information in response to subpoenas or other demands involving legally protected care -helping protect the privacy and safety of patients and providers. I'm grateful to Attorney General Bonta and Equality California for sponsoring this legislation, and to Governor Newsom for signing it into law and standing with us to strengthen these critical protections."
"The Trump Administration is weaponizing the legal system to target gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare and attempting to access information on TGI youth. California has a responsibility to protect people seeking healthcare that is legal in our state from politically motivated attacks and invasions of privacy," said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. "AB 1930 strengthens California's ability to serve as a firewall for privacy, safety and medical freedom. We are grateful to Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur for his leadership, to the Legislature for passing this critical legislation and to Governor Newsom for signing it into law. Because of their actions, people can access care without fear that their personal information will be weaponized against them."
Protecting Privacy of Patient Data
AB 2448, authored by Assemblymembers Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) and Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) and co-sponsored by Planned Parenthood of California, ensures that healthcare providers have enabled the technological safeguards to segregate sensitive health data in electronic medical records. It advances California's commitment to protecting the confidentiality of medical information by requiring entities that maintain electronic health records for sensitive services to implement meaningful, operational protections to secure that data.
"In the years since Roe was overturned, attacks on reproductive and gender-affirming care have steadily intensified, threatening access to healthcare services for millions of Californians," said Assemblymember Marc Berman. "In these dangerous times, it is critical that medical providers have access to technology to protect sensitive medical information so that patients who have received reproductive and gender-affirming care cannot be identified and targeted. I am proud to have partnered with Attorney General Bonta, Planned Parenthood, and Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan on AB 2448, and thank Governor Newsom for signing this medical privacy bill that requires the implementation of this technology. All Californians deserve access to critical healthcare services without fear."
"Thank you to Attorney General Bonta, Assemblymember Berman, and Planned Parenthood for being such strong partners in getting this done," said Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. "Patients deserve to know that when they walk into a doctor's office, their most personal information will be treated with the care and confidentiality it deserves. I'm proud that California continues to lead in protecting patient privacy."
"Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California is proud to co-sponsor AB 2448 alongside Attorney General Bonta to ensure healthcare entities have access to the technology they need to fulfill California's commitment to protecting patient privacy," said President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Jodi Hicks. "We are grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this critical bill into law and affirming what we know to be true: all patients deserve access to the healthcare they need without fear of legal or criminal consequences."
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-celebrates-new-laws-strengthening-protections-patients
Attorney General Bonta Announces Settlement with Corteva to Restore Competition to Pesticide Market
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 28 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Announces Settlement with Corteva to Restore Competition to Pesticide Market
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a coalition of 12 attorneys general in securing a settlement with agricultural chemical company Corteva, Inc. resolving the lawsuit challenging the company's use of loyalty rebate programs for crop-protection chemicals. The lawsuit alleged the programs restricted competition from lower-priced
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 28 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Announces Settlement with Corteva to Restore Competition to Pesticide Market
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a coalition of 12 attorneys general in securing a settlement with agricultural chemical company Corteva, Inc. resolving the lawsuit challenging the company's use of loyalty rebate programs for crop-protection chemicals. The lawsuit alleged the programs restricted competition from lower-pricedgeneric pesticides and contributed to inflated prices after patent and regulatory exclusivity periods expired. Under the settlement, Corteva will limit its loyalty programs to allow for generic competition, which will help restore competition to the pesticide market, and will pay $35 million to the plaintiff states.
"California farmers and small businesses deserve a competitive marketplace where they have access to affordable products and are not forced to pay higher prices because competitors have been shut out," said Attorney General Bonta. "This settlement puts meaningful limits on practices that we alleged prevented lower-cost generic pesticides from competing in the marketplace. Especially amid a roaring crisis of affordability, my office will continue to protect Californians from anticompetitive practices that drive up costs."
In September 2022, Attorney General Bonta joined the FTC and 11 other states challenging the anticompetitive practices of Corteva and Syngenta. The lawsuit alleged that the companies separately used loyalty rebate programs that required distributors to purchase 90% or more of their annual supply of certain active ingredients from the defendants in exchange for significant rebates. According to the lawsuit, these practices helped the companies maintain their market shares, artificially inflate prices, and limit the development and availability of competing, lower-priced generic products. California's claims against Syngenta remain pending.
Under the settlement:
* Corteva will face limits on its loyalty rebate programs. Purchase thresholds will be capped at 50% for covered active ingredients, opening more of the market to competition from generic products.
* The restrictions will remain in place for 10 years, with reporting requirements designed to monitor Corteva's compliance.
* Corteva will pay $35 million to the plaintiff states.
The settlement of this lawsuit is separate from an ongoing private class action that seeks to recover damages for California farmers.
In securing this settlement, Attorney General Bonta joins the FTC and the attorneys general of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
ANTITRUST AND YOU:
Antitrust enforcement is an essential component of a healthy economy. Competitive marketplaces established through antitrust vigilance help consumers by ensuring fair prices for goods and services, an array of products to choose from, quality goods and services, and the steady introduction of innovative new products. As part of the Attorney General's commitment to enforce antitrust laws, the California Department of Justice has launched an Antitrust Complaint Form, where Californians can report anticompetitive conduct that potentially violates the antitrust laws.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-settlement-corteva-restore-competition
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