Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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R.I. A.G. Neronha Co-leads Coalition Suing Trump Administration Over Illegal Conditions Placed on Billions in Federal Funding
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 14 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Neronha co-leads coalition suing Trump Administration over illegal conditions placed on billions in federal funding
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, co-leading a coalition of 20 attorneys general, today filed two separate lawsuits against the Trump administration for illegally imposing
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 14 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Neronha co-leads coalition suing Trump Administration over illegal conditions placed on billions in federal funding
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, co-leading a coalition of 20 attorneys general, today filed two separate lawsuits against the Trump administration for illegally imposingimmigration conditions on billions of federal dollars appropriated by Congress to support critical emergency services and infrastructure projects. The lawsuits were filed in United States District Court in Rhode Island.
Attorney General Neronha and the coalition filed one lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The coalition filed a second lawsuit against the Department of Transportation (DOT) and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy. Each agency has imposed sweeping new conditions that would require the states and state agencies to assist with federal immigration enforcement efforts or lose out on billions of federal dollars that states use to protect public safety and transportation infrastructure.
"We are experiencing creeping authoritarianism in this country, and as a people we must continue to resist," said Attorney General Neronha. "Using the safety of Americans as collateral, the Trump Administration is once again illegally subverting the Congress, bullying the states to relinquish their right, ensured by the Constitution, to enact policies and laws that best serve their residents. By threatening to withhold these congressionally allocated funds, used for projects like fixing highways and preparing for natural disasters, the President is willing to put our collective safety at risk."
The coalition explains that Congress has established dozens of federal grant programs administered by DHS and DOT, the funding from which benefits projects that range from disaster relief and flood mitigation to railroad, bridge, and airport construction.
In February, Secretary Noem directed DHS and its sub-agencies, including FEMA, to cease federal funding to jurisdictions that do not assist the federal government in the enforcement of federal immigration law. In March, DHS amended the terms and conditions it places on federal funds to require recipients to certify that they will assist in enforcing federal immigration law.
Soon after Noem's decision, DOT Secretary Duffy issued a letter to grant recipients informing them of his intent to require all state and local governments to assist in federal immigration enforcement as a condition of obtaining DOT funds. Those funds include grants for highway construction, public transportation maintenance, and competitive funds for airport and railway improvement.
In recent weeks, state grant applicants have seen similar immigration-enforcement language added to the terms and conditions governing grants administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Railroad Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration.
In their lawsuit against DHS, the coalition points out that the immigration conditions exceed DHS's legal authority. The coalition further explains that the conditions are unconstitutional because Congress appropriated billions of federal dollars to help states prepare for, protect against, respond to and recover from catastrophic disasters. The safety and well-being of Rhode Islanders could be at risk if Rhode Island is forced to forfeit federal emergency preparedness and response funds, which totaled more than $45 million in 2024 alone.
In their lawsuit against the DOT, the coalition points out that imposing an immigration-enforcement condition on all federal transportation funds, which Congress appropriated to support critical infrastructure projects, is beyond the agency's legal authority. The coalition states rely upon DOT money to fund highway development and airport safety projects, to prevent injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents, and to protect against train collisions. If the Administration withholds these federal funds, up to $628 million in competitive federal grant awards and hundreds of millions more in FHWA funding allocations - including funding for the Washington Bridge project - are at risk in Rhode Island.
Joining Attorneys General Neronha, Raoul, Bonta, Brown, and Platkin in filing the lawsuits are attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont.
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-co-leads-coalition-suing-trump-administration-over-illegal
Md. A.G. Office: Independent Investigations Division Investigating Fatal OfficerInvolved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 14 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Fatal OfficerInvolved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
BALTIMORE, MD (May 13, 2025) - The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, May 12, 2025, in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed on Monday, May 12, 2025, at approximately 1:25 p.m., officers with the Baltimore Police
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 14 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Fatal OfficerInvolved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
BALTIMORE, MD (May 13, 2025) - The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, May 12, 2025, in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed on Monday, May 12, 2025, at approximately 1:25 p.m., officers with the Baltimore PoliceDepartment (BPD) encountered an adult man in the 4600 block of York Road. When officers approached the man, he began running away. Three officers engaged in a foot chase, and one engaged in a car chase. During the chase, the male displayed a gun. Officers gave the man verbal commands, but the man did not comply. There was an exchange of gunfire between officers and the man, at which time, the man was wounded.
Officers rendered emergency medical aid on scene and requested emergency medical services. A semiautomatic gun with an extended magazine was recovered near the man. The man was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. No officers were injured.
The IID will generally release the name of the decedent and discharging officer within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary, pursuant to IID protocol.
The officers on scene were equipped with body-worn cameras which recorded the incident. The video will be released in accordance with BPD and IID policies.
Pursuant to Maryland law, the OAG is required to investigate all police-involved fatalities in the State of Maryland. The OAG and BPD have reached an agreement to allow for the Attorney General's investigation while still allowing BPD to meet the investigatory obligations if its federal consent decree.
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Original text here: https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2025/051325.pdf
Del. A.G. Jennings Joins Coalition Suing Trump Administration Over Illegal Immigration Conditions Placed on Federal Funding
DOVER, Delaware, May 14 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release:
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AG Jennings joins coalition suing Trump administration over illegal immigration conditions placed on federal funding
Attorney General Kathy Jennings, with a coalition of 19 attorneys general, today filed two separate lawsuits against the Trump administration for attempting to illegally coerce their states into sweeping immigration enforcement by threatening to withhold billions in federal funding for emergency services and infrastructure.
The coalition filed one lawsuit against the
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DOVER, Delaware, May 14 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release:
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AG Jennings joins coalition suing Trump administration over illegal immigration conditions placed on federal funding
Attorney General Kathy Jennings, with a coalition of 19 attorneys general, today filed two separate lawsuits against the Trump administration for attempting to illegally coerce their states into sweeping immigration enforcement by threatening to withhold billions in federal funding for emergency services and infrastructure.
The coalition filed one lawsuit against theFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The coalition filed a second lawsuit against the Department of Transportation (DOT) and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy. Each agency has imposed sweeping new conditions that would require the states and state agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts or lose out on billions of federal dollars that states use to protect public safety and transportation infrastructure.
"It is shocking - but unfortunately not surprising - that the only way this administration can be made to act lawfully is through the courts forcing them to do so," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "With these lawsuits, my colleagues and I once again state what should be obvious: the President is not a king, and he does not have the power to ignore the laws and appropriations that both Congress and the Executive Branch have approved. Make no mistake: these illegal cuts aren't being proposed to save money - they're meant to pummel our states into political obedience."
The attorneys general explain that Congress has established dozens of federal grant programs administered by FEMA and the DOT. The money Congress appropriated to those programs funds projects that range from disaster relief and flood mitigation to railroad, bridge and airport construction.
In February, Secretary Noem directed DHS and its sub-agencies, including FEMA, to cease federal funding to jurisdictions that do not assist the federal government in the enforcement of federal immigration law. In March, DHS amended the terms and conditions it places on federal funds to require recipients to certify that they will assist in enforcing federal immigration law.
Soon after Noem's decision, DOT Secretary Duffy issued a letter to grant recipients informing them of his intent to require all state and local governments to assist in federal immigration enforcement as a condition of obtaining DOT funds. Those funds include grants for highway construction, public transportation maintenance, and competitive funds for airport and railway improvement.
In recent weeks, state grant applicants have seen similar immigration-enforcement language added to the terms and conditions governing grants administered by the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.
In their lawsuit against FEMA, Raoul and the coalition point out that the immigration conditions exceed FEMA's legal authority. The coalition further explains the conditions are unconstitutional because Congress appropriated the billions of federal dollars to help states prepare for, protect against, respond to and recover from catastrophic disasters. The safety and well-being of Americans could be at risk if states are forced to forfeit hundreds of millions of dollars in federal emergency preparedness and response funds. Last year, Delaware alone received more than $10.3 million in federal funding from FEMA. AG Jennings and her fellow attorneys general emphasize that these conditions will also damage the carefully built trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities that is critical to promoting public safety.
In their lawsuit against the DOT, the coalition points out that imposing an immigration-enforcement condition on all federal transportation funds, which Congress appropriated to support critical infrastructure projects, is beyond the agency's legal authority. The coalition states rely upon DOT money to fund highway development and airport safety projects, to prevent injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents, and to protect against train collisions. Last year, Delaware received nearly $324.5 million, which funded not only highway construction projects, but also public transportation projects, transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities, highway safety programs, and improvements at Wilmington Airport. The attorneys general contend that withholding the federal funding will damage public infrastructure across the country and will undermine public trust and cooperation in criminal investigations.
Joining Attorney General Jennings in filing the lawsuits are attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin and Vermont.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2025/05/13/ag-jennings-joins-coalition-suing-trump-administration-over-illegal-immigration-conditions-placed-on-federal-funding/
Attorney General Mayes Warns Consumers about Rental Scams
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 14 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Warns Consumers about Rental Scams
PHOENIX - As the Arizona housing market continues to price many out of purchasing a home, Arizona consumers are looking for rental properties. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning consumers to be alert against property rental scams. Scam artists are deceiving unsuspecting consumers by providing fake listings or copying legitimate listings and tricking consumers into paying before seeing the property. The scam artists might
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PHOENIX, Arizona, May 14 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Warns Consumers about Rental Scams
PHOENIX - As the Arizona housing market continues to price many out of purchasing a home, Arizona consumers are looking for rental properties. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning consumers to be alert against property rental scams. Scam artists are deceiving unsuspecting consumers by providing fake listings or copying legitimate listings and tricking consumers into paying before seeing the property. The scam artists mightalso try to obtain personal and banking information to steal identities.
"Housing is a basic human need and, unfortunately, some fraudsters prey upon that need to take advantage of hardworking Arizonans simply trying to find a place to live," says Attorney General Mayes. "I urge you to be cautious about who you provide your financial and other personally identifying information to when looking for a home."
AG Mayes offers the following tips to consumers seeking to rent homes and apartments:
* Be skeptical of rental prices "well below" market price for similar properties.
* Look up the property address on a search engine to verify that the property is not "for sale" elsewhere.
* Physically drive by the property to verify that it actually exists.
* Avoid companies or individuals listing rental properties who are not reachable by phone during normal business hours; who tell you that they are out of state or out of the country; or who request communication via text only.
* Avoid companies or individuals requesting payments be sent overseas or by wired funds, gift cards or through peer-to-peer payment apps.
* Be skeptical of companies or individuals charging "up front" fees in addition to the normal application and credit check fees.
* Always be wary of companies or individuals requesting personal information such as your social security number and bank account information up front.
Once you have viewed the rental property, here are some additional tips:
* Walk through the property and make sure it fits the description of what is being advertised and that it matches the lease or rental agreement description.
* Make sure all fees and costs are included in your lease or rental agreement.
* Make sure you understand the terms of your lease or rental agreement.
* Don't sign a lease or rental agreement that has blank spaces.
* Don't pay the security deposit until you have a signed lease.
* Make sure you get a copy of the signed lease or rental agreement.
If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General's website. If you need a complaint form sent to you, you can contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-warns-consumers-about-rental-scams
Attorney General James Secures Big Win for St. Clare's Pensioners
ALBANY, New York, May 14 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Secures Big Win for St. Clare's Pensioners
NEW YORK -- New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after a judge denied the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany's attempt to dismiss her office's claims that the Diocese violated its financial and legal responsibilities to the former St. Clare's Hospital workers when it failed to preserve the workers' pensions:
"Hundreds of former St. Clare's employees - nurses, social workers, lab
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ALBANY, New York, May 14 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Secures Big Win for St. Clare's Pensioners
NEW YORK -- New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after a judge denied the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany's attempt to dismiss her office's claims that the Diocese violated its financial and legal responsibilities to the former St. Clare's Hospital workers when it failed to preserve the workers' pensions:
"Hundreds of former St. Clare's employees - nurses, social workers, labtechnicians, and support staff - devoted their lives to caring for others. But when the Diocese-controlled board of St. Clare's unjustly terminated their pension plan, many of them lost their life savings and were left unable to retire. Today's victory allows our case against St. Clare's and the Diocese to proceed, bringing these hardworking pensioners one step closer to justice."
Attorney General James sued the Diocese, its leadership, and the St. Clare's Corporation in May 2022 for their negligent and intentional actions that deprived more than 1,100 former St. Clare's Hospital employees of their pensions. Today, a judge granted a motion for summary judgment, ruling that St. Clare's breached its contract with its workers when it failed to pay their pensions. The Judge also denied all motions for summary judgment that attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, brought by the Diocese and other defendants. The case will now proceed to a jury trial.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2025/attorney-general-james-secures-big-win-st-clares-pensioners
AG Platkin Announces Leadership Transition in Division of Consumer Affairs
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 14 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release:
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AG Platkin Announces Leadership Transition in Division of Consumer Affairs
TRENTON - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced the appointment of Bureau of Securities Chief Elizabeth M. Harris as Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, following the departure of Director Cari Fais for an opportunity outside of the Department of Law and Public Safety.
The changes are effective Thursday, May 15, 2025.
"Cari Fais has been an indispensable partner in carrying
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TRENTON, New Jersey, May 14 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release:
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AG Platkin Announces Leadership Transition in Division of Consumer Affairs
TRENTON - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced the appointment of Bureau of Securities Chief Elizabeth M. Harris as Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, following the departure of Director Cari Fais for an opportunity outside of the Department of Law and Public Safety.
The changes are effective Thursday, May 15, 2025.
"Cari Fais has been an indispensable partner in carryingout our Department's consumer protection work, from taking on social media companies to holding licensed professionals to the highest standards. We will miss her steady hand and leadership, and I am grateful for her outstanding service to our state," said Attorney General Platkin. "I am confident that the Division will build on its success under Elizabeth Harris, an accomplished attorney with sound judgement, extensive knowledge, and deep experience as a regulator, prosecutor, and public finance professional."
Fais has led the Division of Consumer Affairs since May 2022 and was confirmed by the New Jersey Senate as Director in October 2024. Fais prioritized data privacy, cybersecurity, and technology accountability. Under her leadership, the Division took action against social media companies for deceptive and unconscionable conduct that harms New Jersey's children, obtained settlements against corporations that failed to safeguard consumers' personal data, and secured reforms from technology companies that misrepresented their data privacy and security practices.
During Fais' tenure, the Division used its enforcement powers to halt predatory lending practices, protect elderly investors from securities fraud and financial exploitation, and hold national discount retail chains accountable for targeting underserved communities with deceptive business practices. Fais also led initiatives to enhance the Division's services to the public, including launching a mediation program for consumer complaints, increasing transparency in the Division's operations, and creating improvements that resulted in a 29 percent increase in application processing by the professional and occupational boards.
Harris, a New Jersey native, has served as Chief of the Bureau of Securities since January 2024. Under her leadership, the Bureau of Securities has prioritized obtaining restitution for New Jersey investors from both unregistered and registered entities. The Bureau also focused on protecting older and vulnerable adults by launching an electronic portal that makes it easier for financial professionals to comply with the New Jersey Safeguarding Against Financial Exploitation (SAFE) Act.
Harris previously served an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, where she led investigations into and prosecuted a variety of complex cases, including white collar and organized crime cases. Her legal career also includes stints as General Counsel to the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation and an associate at Duane Morris LLP and K&L Gates LLP, where she represented clients in commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and securities litigation. She was also a vice president in the public finance banking department at Morgan Stanley, where she was involved in all aspects of debt financing, including public bond offerings, direct purchases, private placements, and lending.
Harris holds a B.A. from Fordham University, an M.A. from Columbia University, Teachers College, and a J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law. Before attending law school, Harris served as a technology and history teacher at The Beacon School, a public high school in New York City.
"I am honored by the opportunity to protect the consumers in my home state as Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs and thank the Attorney General for this opportunity," said incoming Acting Director Harris. "The Division has so many dedicated employees who are committed to this mission, and I look forward to working alongside them in service to the state's residents and its licensed professionals."
The mission of the Division of Consumer Affairs, within the Department of Law and Public Safety, is to protect the public from fraud, deceit, misrepresentation and professional misconduct in the sale of goods and services in New Jersey through education, advocacy, regulation and enforcement. The Division pursues its mission through its 51 professional and occupational boards that oversee 720,000 licensees in the state, its Regulated Business section that oversees 60,000 NJ registered businesses, as well as through its Office of Consumer Protection, Bureau of Securities, Charities Registration section, Office of Weights and Measures, and Legalized Games of Chance section.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-announces-leadership-transition-in-division-of-consumer-affairs/
AG Nessel Files Motion for Preliminary Injunction to Stop Unlawful Dismantling of HHS
LANSING, Michigan, May 14 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Nessel Files Motion for Preliminary Injunction to Stop Unlawful Dismantling of HHS
LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction (PDF) to stop the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
On March 27, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. revealed a dramatic mass firing and restructuring of HHS as part of the president's "Department of Government Efficiency" initiative.
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LANSING, Michigan, May 14 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Nessel Files Motion for Preliminary Injunction to Stop Unlawful Dismantling of HHS
LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction (PDF) to stop the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
On March 27, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. revealed a dramatic mass firing and restructuring of HHS as part of the president's "Department of Government Efficiency" initiative.The secretary announced that the department's 28 agencies would be collapsed into 15, with many surviving offices shuffled or split apart. He also announced mass firings, cutting 10,000 full-time employees on top of about 10,000 who had left already, which together would slash the department's headcount from around 85,000 to 65,000. On April 1, the federal government began sending termination notices to thousands of HHS employees across the nation. Half of HHS's regional offices were closed, including offices in Boston, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle. On May 5, the 19 attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging the dramatic, illegal restructuring of HHS. On May 9, they filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, which asks the court to enjoin the March 27 directive and stop the mass firings and efforts to dismantle various HHS offices.
Along with the motion for a preliminary injunction, the Michigan Department of Attorney General also filed a declaration from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (PDF) (MDHHS) attesting to these harms. In 2024, MDHHS partnered with HHS on 130 programs, using federal funds to help 3 million Michigan residents put food on the table, cover childcare costs, get needed medical attention, and keep utilities on in homes. However, after the significant staff cuts at HHS, MDHHS has experienced major disruptions. These include delays or loss of communication with federal agencies, reduced support, and the elimination of critical public health functions, such as infectious disease testing, disease outbreak response and coordination, out-of-state travel notifications about disease exposures to Michigan residents, lead monitoring, collection of reproductive health data relating to mothers and children, and tobacco control efforts, among others. If allowed to stand, these disruptions will harm public health in Michigan and will require the State of Michigan to expend resources to cover the sudden loss of essential services at the federal level.
"Public health threats spread quickly, making the Trump Administration's illegal action to shut down HHS regional offices and divisions and cut off communication with state health officials especially dangerous," Nessel said. "These closures strip away vital resources that protect communities from outbreaks and crises. That's why we filed this motion to stop this unlawful action before it causes lasting harm to the health and safety of residents."
In filing the motion for a preliminary injunction, Attorney General Nessel joins the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai`i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2025/05/14/ag-nessel-files-motion-for-preliminary-injunction-to-stop-unlawful-dismantling-of-hhs
