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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: VA. A.G. JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN ON JULY 2, 2026
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news wrap up on July 2, 2026:
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
Highlights violent crime reduction strategies in Danville, shares statement on SCOTUS decisions, and marks the anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges
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Attorney General Jones visited Danville to discuss how the city's violent crime reduction strategies could be utilized across the Commonwealth, shares statement on final decisions from the Supreme Court of the United States,
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news wrap up on July 2, 2026:
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
Highlights violent crime reduction strategies in Danville, shares statement on SCOTUS decisions, and marks the anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges
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Attorney General Jones visited Danville to discuss how the city's violent crime reduction strategies could be utilized across the Commonwealth, shares statement on final decisions from the Supreme Court of the United States,which narrowly preserved birthright citizenship but attacks trans rights on the final day of Pride month, and highlights the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI).
Keeping the Commonwealth Safe
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 year 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.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3066-what-virginians-are-seeing-attorney-general-jay-jones-shares-weekly-roundup-of-actions-taken5
Va. A.G. Jones Slams Trump Administration's Proposed Non-Disclosure Agreement for Federal Employees
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Slams Trump Administration's Proposed Non-Disclosure Agreement for Federal Employees
Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general in opposing the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) proposed government-wide Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that would silence federal civil servants. The proposed NDA would have a chilling effect on federal employees by broadly defining what constitutes protected non-public information;
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Slams Trump Administration's Proposed Non-Disclosure Agreement for Federal Employees
Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general in opposing the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) proposed government-wide Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that would silence federal civil servants. The proposed NDA would have a chilling effect on federal employees by broadly defining what constitutes protected non-public information;threatening to remove, debar, or criminally penalize civil servants for non-compliance with the NDA; threatening to remove or debar employees from federal service for not signing the NDA. In the comment letter, Attorney General Jones and the coalition highlight how the federal government's NDA proposal goes well beyond what is necessary to protect sensitive information and urges the federal government to reconsider its proposal.
"The Trump administration's latest action actively censor federal public servants in an effort to shield the public from his dangerous, destructive, and illegal actions," said Attorney General Jones. "This is not about protecting sensitive information; it is a clear attempt to avoid accountability. This is a blatant attack on the First Amendment, which will only further erode public trust in our institutions. I am proud to stand in opposition."
The proposed NDA for federal employees undermines their First Amendment right by creating a climate of fear and uncertainty around what they can say about the work of the federal government. The broad and ambiguous language, as well as the extreme penalties laid out in the OPM's NDA proposal could discourage employees from speaking out about policies affecting the public. This may result in workers choosing to stay silent over the risk of discipline, even when their speech is protected and serves the public interest.
In the comment letter, Attorney General Jones and the coalition assert that:
* The adoption of the type of sweeping, vague, and punitive NDA that OPM proposes would infringe upon federal employees' First Amendment right to speak as a citizen on matters of public concern.
* The NDA proposal would disrupt the flow of communications between federal agencies and state agencies that is fundamental to the functioning of state-operated programs and the provision of public services to our residents.
* States have been able to deter and address unlawful disclosures without using broadly worded, government-wide NDAs.
Joining Attorney General Jones in sending this letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3064-attorney-general-jones-slams-trump-administrations-proposed-non-disclosure-agreement-for-federal-employees
Va. A.G. Jones Secures Victory for Public Servants, Court Strikes Down Trump Administration's Attacks on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Secures Victory for Public Servants, Court Strikes Down Trump Administration's Attacks on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Attorney General Jay Jones, along with a coalition of attorneys general, secured a major victory for public servants across the Commonwealth and nation when a U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts judge blocked his illegal changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The Trump administration's action
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Secures Victory for Public Servants, Court Strikes Down Trump Administration's Attacks on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Attorney General Jay Jones, along with a coalition of attorneys general, secured a major victory for public servants across the Commonwealth and nation when a U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts judge blocked his illegal changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The Trump administration's actionwould have denied Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility to hardworking public servants when he doesn't like their employer.
"This administration actively targets those whose beliefs contradict their own. This illegal rule was designed with broad, vague language and had the effect of subjecting public servants to a loyalty test," said Attorney General Jones. "The court recognized this attempt for what it is - a blatant overstep of authority and a violation of the First Amendment.
Virginians who are on the front lines, doing the good and necessary work of the People, will continue to remain eligible for public service loan forgiveness even if the President doesn't like who they work for."
The PSLF program is critical in recruiting nurses, first responders, teachers, military personnel, and others working in public service careers, both in government and the nonprofit sectors.
The order found the U.S. Department of Education regulations are contrary to law and promulgated in excess of statutory authority, are arbitrary and capricious, and violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3065-attorney-general-jay-jones-secures-victory-for-public-servants-court-strikes-down-trump-administrations-attacks-on-student-loan-forgiveness-program
Md. A.G. Office: Independent Investigations Division Investigating Police-Involved In-Custody Death in Greenbelt
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Police-Involved In-Custody Death in Greenbelt
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a police-involved in-custody death that occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on July 1, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., United States Park Police (USPP) requested that the Greenbelt Police
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Police-Involved In-Custody Death in Greenbelt
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a police-involved in-custody death that occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on July 1, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., United States Park Police (USPP) requested that the Greenbelt PoliceDepartment (GPD) respond to the unit block of Southway in Greenbelt to assist them after they reported that they observed a single vehicle leave the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and crash into a wooded area along Southway just off the parkway. Officers requested emergency medical crews to respond to the scene. When GPD officers arrived on scene, USPP had already placed the driver of the vehicle in handcuffs and escorted him out of the wooded area and to the roadway. While in custody, the driver became unresponsive. Officers provided assistance. Prince George's County Fire & EMS Department (PGFD) arrived on scene, rendered emergency medical aid, and transported the driver to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. An infant was in the driver's vehicle but was not injured. No officers were injured in the incident.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or by email at [email protected].
The IID will generally release the name of the decedent and any involved officers within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary, pursuant to IID protocols.
Under Maryland law, the IID has the authority to investigate Maryland police officers involved in incidents that result in the death of an individual or injuries likely to result in the death of individual.
GPD officers were equipped with body-worn cameras. The IID will generally release body-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Independent-Investigations-Division-Investigating-Police-Involved-In-Custody-Death-in-Greenbelt.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
Judgment Permanently Bans Green Environmental, LLC Operator from the Industry
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that a Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge has ordered a lead paint inspector to pay $8.7 million and permanently banned him from the industry for fraud.
The ruling against Green Environmental, LLC and its principal operator, Rodney Bryan Barkley,
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
Judgment Permanently Bans Green Environmental, LLC Operator from the Industry
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that a Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge has ordered a lead paint inspector to pay $8.7 million and permanently banned him from the industry for fraud.
The ruling against Green Environmental, LLC and its principal operator, Rodney Bryan Barkley,follows Barkley's criminal conviction and sentencing earlier this year for falsifying lead paint certificates and related environmental violations.
The civil action, filed by Attorney General Brown on behalf of the Maryland Department of the Environment, sought penalties and injunctive relief for violations of Maryland's lead inspection and lead risk reduction laws. The court also recognized radiation violations, including the possession of unlicensed radioactive materials and unregistered machines, the failure to test unlicensed radioactive materials for leaks, the improper use of unlicensed materials and unregistered machines.
The court entered judgments of $4.88 million against Green Environmental and $3.85 million against Barkley.
In addition to the monetary judgments, the court ordered that Barkley is permanently prohibited from owning or participating in the operation of any lead inspection company. The court also ordered Barkley to surrender any X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) devices in his possession to the Maryland Department of the Environment within 30 days.
The civil judgment stems from an investigation by the department for issuing fraudulent inspection certificates and improper use of the testing device, leading the department to revoke more than 1,400 lead inspection certificates across the state.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-.7-Million-Judgment-Against-Lead-Paint-Inspector-for-Fraud-.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a formal comment letter today opposing the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) attempt to aid the president's efforts to seize control of elections and restrict mail-in voting through a proposed rule, and asking the Postal Service to withdraw the proposed rule. Although
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a formal comment letter today opposing the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) attempt to aid the president's efforts to seize control of elections and restrict mail-in voting through a proposed rule, and asking the Postal Service to withdraw the proposed rule. Althoughyesterday the United States District Court for the District of Columbia enjoined USPS from making this proposed rule, the USPS has not withdrawn it.
On March 31, President Trump signed an executive order attempting to establish a comprehensive citizenship list and a national list of voters eligible to vote by mail in federal elections, and directed USPS, an independent federal agency, to transmit mail ballots only to those on the eligibility list. In the order, the President threatened states and elections officials with criminal prosecution and the loss of federal funding if they do not comply with order's eligibility requirements.
A federal judge struck down that executive order last week in a lawsuit joined by Attorney General Brown with the order applying to 24 states. And yesterday a second federal judge enjoined USPS from final adoption of the proposed rule. Nevertheless, the USPS has so far not rescinded its proposed rule to implement Trump's illegal executive order. Under the proposed rule, USPS would create a centralized list of voter information and would refuse to deliver ballots to any eligible voter who is not on that list, essentially giving the federal government control over elections conducted by mail.
In the comment letter, the attorneys general argue that this proposed rule violates the federal court's order, which enjoins USPS from finalizing the proposed rule, and also amounts to an unconstitutional power grab by the federal government. The Constitution does not allow the President to unilaterally impose changes to federal election procedures, particularly without an act of Congress permitting him to do so. The attorneys general also argue the proposed rule conflicts with USPS's governing statutes and other federal voting laws.
The proposed rule would enact these unconstitutional changes before the 2026 election. Implementing these changes would require states to upend their existing election administration procedures for upcoming elections and conduct statewide voter education mere months before the beginning of mail voting for the 2026 general election. Such drastic and rapid changes would undoubtedly create confusion and chaos, threatening to disenfranchise eligible voters.
State and federal law entitle all eligible voters to cast ballots and have their votes counted in state and federal elections. Voters of all parties, in all states, and of every background utilize mail-in voting - including the President himself. This week's Supreme Court decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee reaffirmed states' authority to administer their elections, like permitting voters to cast ballots by mail.
Joining Attorney General Brown in the comment letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Multistate-Opposition-to-Postal-Service%e2%80%99s-Attempt-to-Undermine-Voting-Rights.aspx
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Creates Community Civil Rights Council After Legislature Eliminates Decades Old Civil Rights Board
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 3 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Creates Community Civil Rights Council After Legislature Eliminates Decades Old Civil Rights Board
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced the creation of a Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office, following the state legislature's decision this year to eliminate the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board.
Nearly sixty years ago, through bipartisan efforts, Arizona created the the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The Board, made
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PHOENIX, Arizona, July 3 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Creates Community Civil Rights Council After Legislature Eliminates Decades Old Civil Rights Board
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced the creation of a Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office, following the state legislature's decision this year to eliminate the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board.
Nearly sixty years ago, through bipartisan efforts, Arizona created the the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The Board, madeup of community members with diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, volunteered to engage with the Attorney General's Civil Rights Division and worked collaboratively to research and address civil rights issues across the state.
This year, the Arizona legislature eliminated the Civil Rights advisory board, discontinuing the work of its volunteer members. Prior to its elimination, Board and subcommittee members were researching and engaging with fellow Arizonans on hate-based crimes and incidents, fair housing issues, accessibility issues impacting individuals with disabilities, and civil rights issues in rural communities.
"This work is too important to let it go unfinished," said Attorney General Mayes. "For nearly 60 years, Arizonans with different political beliefs and from different backgrounds have volunteered to work collaboratively with their government on civil rights -- and my office is committed to making sure that legacy continues, regardless of the decision made by the Legislature this year."
The Attorney General's Office recognizes the importance of citizen engagement with government agencies and is committed to ensuring Arizona residents have a seat at the table to discuss important civil rights issues impacting all Arizonans. Effective today, Attorney General Mayes is establishing a Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office.
The Council will be comprised of community representatives who are knowledgeable about Arizona civil rights and committed to researching civil rights concerns in the state and assisting the Attorney General's Office in eliminating unlawful discrimination in Arizona. The Attorney General's Office is committed to ensuring that the work of this community group continues despite partisan agendas.
Members of the council will be announced at a later date.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-creates-community-civil-rights-council-after-legislature
