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Statement From AG Wilson on Fallen North Royalton Firefighter
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 3 -- Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson issued the following news release:
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Statement From AG Wilson on Fallen North Royalton Firefighter
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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson issued the following statement regarding an overnight house fire in Broadview Heights that killed a North Royalton firefighter and injured another:
We join the residents of North Royalton in mourning the loss of a member of their city fire department and pray for the swift recovery of his injured colleague. We are incredibly fortunate to have brave men and women who are willing
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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 3 -- Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson issued the following news release:
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Statement From AG Wilson on Fallen North Royalton Firefighter
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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson issued the following statement regarding an overnight house fire in Broadview Heights that killed a North Royalton firefighter and injured another:
We join the residents of North Royalton in mourning the loss of a member of their city fire department and pray for the swift recovery of his injured colleague. We are incredibly fortunate to have brave men and women who are willingto put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe.
When one of these public servants falls, the entire public safety community shoulders the grief, no matter which uniform they wear. They deserve our respect and gratitude, especially when they make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
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Original text here: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/November-2026/Statement-From-AG-Wilson-on-Fallen-North-Royalton
North Dakota Attorney General Issues Opinion to Divide County School District Board of Education
BISMARCK, North Dakota, Nov. 3 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
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OPEN RECORDS AND MEETINGS SUMMARY OPINION 2026-SO-25
DATE ISSUED: November 2, 2026
ISSUED TO: Divide County School District Board of Education
SUMMARY OPINION/1
Shane Gunlock requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1
asking whether the Divide County School District Board of Education (Board) violated N.D.C.C. Sec.Sec. 44-04-19 and 44-04-20 by failing to properly notice and permit public access to a meeting of an alleged committee of the Board, consisting
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BISMARCK, North Dakota, Nov. 3 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
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OPEN RECORDS AND MEETINGS SUMMARY OPINION 2026-SO-25
DATE ISSUED: November 2, 2026
ISSUED TO: Divide County School District Board of Education
SUMMARY OPINION/1
Shane Gunlock requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1
asking whether the Divide County School District Board of Education (Board) violated N.D.C.C. Sec.Sec. 44-04-19 and 44-04-20 by failing to properly notice and permit public access to a meeting of an alleged committee of the Board, consistingof three of the seven Board members and two school principals.
The Board states that less than a quorum of Board members met with the two school administrators and that this group was not a committee of the Board./2
This office has previously stated that it "cannot question" a public entity's assurance that it did not delegate authority to an alleged committee of the governing body./3 Based on the facts provided by the Board, it is my opinion that a quorum of the Board did not meet and no violation of the open meetings law occurred in this instance.
cc: Shane Gunlock
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Footnotes:
1 This Summary Opinion is issued pursuant to the authority granted to this office in N.D.C .C. Sec. 44-04-21.1(1).
2 See N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-17.1(9)(a)(l) (defining meeting to include a gathering of"[a] quorum of the members of the governing body of a public entity regarding public business."); N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-17.1(6) ('"Governing body' also includes any group of persons, regardless of membership, acting collectively pursuant to authority delegated to that group by the governing body."); N.D.A.G. 2013-0-12 ("[C]ommittees of a governing body have the same requirements to notice its meetings and prepare minutes because they are subject to the open meeting laws.").
3 N.D.A.G. 2013-0-12; see also N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1(1) ("In any opinion issued under this section, the attorney general shall base the opinion on the facts given by the public entity.").
North Dakota Attorney General Issues Opinion to City of Lincoln
BISMARCK, North Dakota, Nov. 3 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
OPEN RECORDS AND MEETINGS SUMMARY OPINION 2026-SO-24
DATE ISSUED: November 2, 2026
ISSUED TO: City of Lincoln
SUMMARY OPINION/1
Brandon Schock requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the City of Lincoln ("City") violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-20 by discussing topics that were not included in the notice for its special meeting of April 22, 2024.
The City acknowledges that the April 22 special meeting was noticed with a single agenda item limited
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BISMARCK, North Dakota, Nov. 3 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
OPEN RECORDS AND MEETINGS SUMMARY OPINION 2026-SO-24
DATE ISSUED: November 2, 2026
ISSUED TO: City of Lincoln
SUMMARY OPINION/1
Brandon Schock requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the City of Lincoln ("City") violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-20 by discussing topics that were not included in the notice for its special meeting of April 22, 2024.
The City acknowledges that the April 22 special meeting was noticed with a single agenda item limitedto gathering information on a proposed development south of Lincoln./2 During the meeting, Mayor Keli Berglund unilaterally amended the agenda to include a statement responding to discussions held at the prior meeting and discussing the rules for decorum at meetings./3 During this statement, members of the city council objected, but Mayor Berglund continued discussing the unnoticed item of business./4
This office has previously determined that a public entity violates the open meetings law when it discusses topics that are not included in the notice of a special meeting./5 It is my opinion that the City violated the open meetings law because the mayor's statement was not included in the notice or agenda for the April 22, 2024, special meeting.
The City of Lincoln must prepare an amended notice for the April 22, 2024, special meeting that identifies all the topics that were discussed, including the Mayor's statement on prior discussions and meeting decorum. The City must provide the amended notice and minutes of the April 22, 2024, special meeting to Brandon Schock and any requester, free of charge.
While I have every reason to expect that the City of Lincoln will remedy this situation, failure to take the corrective measures described in this opinion within seven days of the date this opinion is issued will result in mandatory costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees if the person requesting the opinion prevails in a civil action under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.2./6
Failure to take these corrective measures may also result in personal liability for the person or persons responsible for the noncompliance./7
Drew H. Wrigley Attorney General
cc: Brandon Schock
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Footnotes:
1 This Summary Opinion is issued pursuant to the authority granted to this office in N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 (1 ). 2 Letter from Monte L. Rogneby, City Att'y, City of Lincoln, to Annique Lockard, Assistant Att'y Gen., Off. of Att'y Gen. (July 19, 2024).
3 Id.
4 Recording: Special Meeting held by City of Lincoln (Apr. 22, 2024); Letter from Monte L. Rogneby, City Att'y, City of Lincoln, to Annique Lockard, Assistant Att'y Gen., Off. of Att'y Gen. (July 19, 2024).
5 N.D.A.G. 2024-0-09; N.D.A.G. 2021-0-04; N.D.A.G. 2017-0-04; N.D.A.G. 2016-0-17.
6 N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1(2).
7 Id.
North Dakota Attorney General Issues Opinion to City of Fargo
BISMARCK, North Dakota, Nov. 3 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
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OPEN RECORDS AND MEETINGS SUMMARY OPINION 2026-SO-26
DATE ISSUED: November 2, 2026
ISSUED TO: City of Fargo
SUMMARY OPINION/1
Ben Myhre requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the City of Fargo ("City") violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-20 by failing to properly notice a series of meetings allegedly attended by a quorum of the governing body. The City states that only two commissioners, which is less than a quorum of the commission, attended
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BISMARCK, North Dakota, Nov. 3 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
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OPEN RECORDS AND MEETINGS SUMMARY OPINION 2026-SO-26
DATE ISSUED: November 2, 2026
ISSUED TO: City of Fargo
SUMMARY OPINION/1
Ben Myhre requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the City of Fargo ("City") violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-20 by failing to properly notice a series of meetings allegedly attended by a quorum of the governing body. The City states that only two commissioners, which is less than a quorum of the commission, attendedthe Downtown Community Partnership's ("DCP") meeting on August 27, 2024, and no other commissioners attended any other meetings organized by DCP during the relevant time period./2
It is well established that a quorum of a governing body's members must be present in order to constitute a meeting that requires public notice./3 Past opinions have addressed the issue of serial meetings,/4 however, the City states no such serial meetings occurred./5
Because a quorum of the City's governing body did not attend the DCP meetings or otherwise engage in a serial meeting, it was not required to provide notice to the public./6 Based on the facts provided by the City, it is my opinion no violation of the open meetings law occurred in this instance.
Drew H. Wrigley Attorney General
cc: Ben Myhre
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Footnotes:
1 This Summary Opinion is issued pursuant to the authority granted to this office in N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1(1).
2 Letter from Nancy J. Morris, City Att'y, City of Fargo, to Annique M. Lockard, Assistant Att'y Gen., Off. of Att'y Gen. (Jan. 17, 2025).
3 See, e.g., N.D.A.G. 2021-O-06; N.D.A.G. 2020-O-11; N.D.A.G. 2008-O-10.
4 See, e.g., N.D.A.G. 2018-O-10.
5 Letter from Nancy J. Morris, City Att'y, City of Fargo, to Annique M. Lockard, Assistant Att'y Gen., Off. of Att'y Gen. (Jan. 17, 2025); N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1(1), "the attorney general shall base the opinion on the facts given by the public entity."
6 N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-20(1) ("public notice must be given in advance of all meetings") (emphasis added); N.D.A.G. 2026-O-05.
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/the-north-dakota-attorney-general-issued-a-summary-opinion-to-city-of-fargo/
California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Jesus Guzman Jr.
SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 3 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Jesus Guzman Jr.
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OAKLAND -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in accordance with Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on the death of Jesus Guzman Jr. from an officer-involved shooting in Glenn County, California on April 29, 2023. This incident involved an officer from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This report is part of ongoing efforts by the California Department of
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SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 3 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Jesus Guzman Jr.
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OAKLAND -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in accordance with Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on the death of Jesus Guzman Jr. from an officer-involved shooting in Glenn County, California on April 29, 2023. This incident involved an officer from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This report is part of ongoing efforts by the California Department ofJustice (DOJ) to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the incident that outlines DOJ's findings. After an extensive investigation, DOJ concluded that the evidence does not support filing criminal charges in this case.
"We hope that this report provides clarity to the community and those personally affected," said Attorney General Bonta. "My office is committed to building a safer California for all residents by promoting trust, transparency, and accountability between law enforcement agencies and communities."
On Sunday, April 29, 2023, a CHP officer observed Mr. Guzman's vehicle speeding down Interstate 5 in Glenn County. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop that resulted in a vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, Mr. Guzman's vehicle seemingly experienced a mechanical failure, causing him to stop his vehicle at an almond orchard north of Artois, California. After a foot pursuit ended, a struggle ensued, and Mr. Guzman punched the officer. During the struggle, Mr. Guzman took the officer's TASER and pointed it at him. The officer then fatally shot Mr. Guzman.
Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that the evidence does not show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer involved acted without the intent to defend himself and others from what he reasonably believed to be imminent death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officer. As such, no further action will be taken in this case.
As part of the investigation, DOJ has identified five recommendations related to this incident. The first and second recommends that CHP provide additional training regarding the factors to be considered in deciding whether to initiate or disengage in a foot pursuit. The third recommends CHP should provide training on when to wait for backup before engaging in a high-risk traffic stop. The fourth is that CHP should provide additional training on operational safety tactics, including using time, distance, and cover when attempting to restrain or handcuff a non-compliant individual. Lastly, the fifth recommendation is that CHP should provide additional training regarding the effective use of TASERs.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/california-department-justice-releases-report-officer-involved-shooting-jesus
Attorney General Schwalb Issues Statement on Protecting DC Residents' Right to Vote from Federal Interference
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Schwalb Issues Statement on Protecting DC Residents' Right to Vote from Federal Interference
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Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued the following statement on the recent presence of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement agents near voting locations in DC.
"Federal law prohibits the military and federal law enforcement from interfering with elections.
OAG has contacted the Administration about the presence of National Guard troops and federal
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Schwalb Issues Statement on Protecting DC Residents' Right to Vote from Federal Interference
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Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued the following statement on the recent presence of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement agents near voting locations in DC.
"Federal law prohibits the military and federal law enforcement from interfering with elections.
OAG has contacted the Administration about the presence of National Guard troops and federalagents near voting locations in recent days.
National Guard leadership has advised that members of Joint Task Force-DC, which includes both the National Guard and federal law enforcement, have been directed not to patrol at or near any voting locations in the District.
Please report potential violations to our office at 202-727-3400 or OAGVoting@dc.gov and to the DC Board of Elections at 202-727-2194 or ogc@dcboe.org.
Every DC resident has the right to vote free of intimidation or interference."
On October 21, 2026, the Office of the Attorney General also issued a voter advisory on protecting District residents' right to vote.
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Original text here: https://oag.dc.gov/release/attorney-general-schwalb-issues-statement-1 (TNSmrp)
Attorney General Brown Secures First-in-the-Nation Ruling Protecting Maryland's Tobacco Settlement Funds
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Secures First-in-the-Nation Ruling Protecting Maryland's Tobacco Settlement Funds
11/2/2026
Court Rejects Tobacco Companies' Attempt to Shift Costs of Environmental Lawsuit onto State Public Health Funding
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BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced that the Circuit Court for Baltimore City ruled that tobacco companies cannot reduce the payments they owe Maryland under the 1998 national Master Settlement Agreement to cover any money
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Secures First-in-the-Nation Ruling Protecting Maryland's Tobacco Settlement Funds
11/2/2026
Court Rejects Tobacco Companies' Attempt to Shift Costs of Environmental Lawsuit onto State Public Health Funding
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BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced that the Circuit Court for Baltimore City ruled that tobacco companies cannot reduce the payments they owe Maryland under the 1998 national Master Settlement Agreement to cover any moneythey may owe Baltimore City in a separate lawsuit. The ruling protects the millions of dollars Maryland receives each year to pay for healthcare for people with smoking-related diseases and for other public health programs. It also allows Baltimore City's lawsuit against the tobacco companies to move forward.
In 1998, Maryland and 51 other states and territories reached the Master Settlement Agreement with the nation's largest tobacco companies. The agreement resolved the states' claims to recover Medicaid costs for treating smoking-related diseases. It requires the companies to stop certain marketing practices and to make payments to the states every year, with no end date.
Several years ago, Baltimore City sued the tobacco companies, including Philip Morris USA and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, over environmental damage from discarded cigarette filters. In that lawsuit, the companies argued that the Master Settlement Agreement allowed them to subtract any money they might owe the city from their settlement payments to Maryland. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) joined the case to protect the settlement funds. The court granted the OAG's motion for summary judgment and ruled that the environmental claims are not covered by the Master Settlement Agreement.
The decision is the first in the nation to address whether the Master Settlement Agreement covers a local government's claims against tobacco companies for environmental damage caused by their products. The court found that the agreement is limited to youth smoking and the public health problems caused by smoking. Thus, Baltimore City's claims that disposed cigarette butts have caused environmental damages are outside the scope of the agreement and, accordingly, the tobacco companies "are not entitled to an offset" against Maryland's settlement payments for any damages awarded in the Baltimore City case.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-First-in-the-Nation-Ruling-Protecting-Maryland%e2%80%99s-Tobacco-Settlement-Funds.aspx
