Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Washington to win summary judgment protecting health care for transgender youth
OLYMPIA, Washington, March 20 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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Washington to win summary judgment protecting health care for transgender youth
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A federal court said on Thursday that it would rule for Washington, 20 other states, and the District of Columbia, turning back an unlawful attempt by the Trump administration to pressure health care providers into ending transgender health care for youth with gender dysphoria.
In an oral statement following yesterday's hearing, U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai said he would grant the states'
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OLYMPIA, Washington, March 20 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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Washington to win summary judgment protecting health care for transgender youth
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A federal court said on Thursday that it would rule for Washington, 20 other states, and the District of Columbia, turning back an unlawful attempt by the Trump administration to pressure health care providers into ending transgender health care for youth with gender dysphoria.
In an oral statement following yesterday's hearing, U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai said he would grant the states'motion for summary judgment with a written order to follow.
"This is a resounding win for the rights of youth, their families, and the rule of law when it comes to medical care," Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said. "The court agrees that the administration ignored the law in its rush to deprive transgender youth of the health care they are legally entitled to."
The judge explained that U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., exceeded his statutory authority. In December, Kennedy issued a so-called "declaration" falsely claiming that certain forms of gender-affirming care are "unsafe and ineffective" and threatening to exclude medical providers from Medicaid and Medicare for providing that care. The judge said HHS failed to follow appropriate rulemaking procedure as required by law and that he will set aside Kennedy's declaration.
Joining Brown in this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Oregon, New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai`i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the governor of Pennsylvania.
Learn more about the case 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.
Media Contact:
Email: press@atg.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 753-2727
General contacts: Click here
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Original text here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/washington-win-summary-judgment-protecting-health-care-transgender-youth
S.D. A.G. Jackley Urges U.S. Senate to Pass SAVE America Act
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Urges U.S. Senate to Pass SAVE America Act
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joins the America First Policy Institute's Attorneys General Council in urging U.S. Senate leadership to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act.
"This is common-sense legislation to protect the integrity of our elections by ensuring only U.S. citizens are registered to vote," said Attorney General Jackley. "I appreciate
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PIERRE, South Dakota, March 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Urges U.S. Senate to Pass SAVE America Act
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joins the America First Policy Institute's Attorneys General Council in urging U.S. Senate leadership to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act.
"This is common-sense legislation to protect the integrity of our elections by ensuring only U.S. citizens are registered to vote," said Attorney General Jackley. "I appreciatethe efforts of South Dakota Sen. Thune, as the Senate Majority Leader, to bring this important issue to a vote."
Attorney General Jackley also promoted election integrity in this year's South Dakota Legislature. The Attorney General Jackley introduced Senate Bill 17, which prohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting contributions or loans made by a foreign national. The measure unanimously passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law by the Governor.
The SAVE America Act would:
* Ensure voting in federal elections is reserved for U.S. citizens by making the ID requirement enforceable.
* Establish a federal citizenship baseline without displacing state election administration.
* Require documentary proof of citizenship and applies equally to all registrants.
A copy of the letter can be found here: https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/assets/uploads/files/AFPI_AG_COUNCIL_SAVE_AMERICA_LETTER_03.2026.pdf
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3035
S.D. A.G. Jackley Announces Sioux Falls Man Convicted by Jury For Attempted First Degree Murder of Law Enforcement Officer
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Sioux Falls Man Convicted by Jury For Attempted First Degree Murder of Law Enforcement Officer
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Union County jury has convicted a Sioux Falls man of multiple felony counts, including three counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, stemming from an April 1, 2025 incident near Beresford.
Samir Albaidhani (Sha-mir All-ba-DON-ee), 26, was
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PIERRE, South Dakota, March 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Sioux Falls Man Convicted by Jury For Attempted First Degree Murder of Law Enforcement Officer
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Union County jury has convicted a Sioux Falls man of multiple felony counts, including three counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, stemming from an April 1, 2025 incident near Beresford.
Samir Albaidhani (Sha-mir All-ba-DON-ee), 26, wasfound guilty Wednesday following a jury trial in Union County. The jury convicted Albaidhani of seven felony offenses. He was acquitted on two counts involving a second South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper.
Following the verdicts, Albaidhani admitted to the Part II habitual offender information. As a result, the potential sentence for each attempted murder conviction is enhanced and may include up to life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1.
"These were violent crimes directed at law enforcement officers who were carrying out their duties to protect the public," said Attorney General Jackley. "I am grateful the officers survived, and I remain committed to holding offenders accountable when they target those who protect our communities."
The incident began in Sioux Falls when Albaidhani fled from law enforcement officers attempting a traffic stop. He led officers south on Interstate 29, exiting near Beresford, where he lost control and entered a ditch. Albaidhani then exited the vehicle and fired multiple shots at pursuing officers before attempting to flee on foot. A South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper used his patrol vehicle in an effort to stop him. After Albaidhani fell to the ground, he again reached for a weapon, prompting the trooper to discharge his firearm and strike Albaidhani in the arm. He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury.
The Union County jury convicted Albaidhani of:
* *Three counts - Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer (Class 1 Felony)
* *Three counts - Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer (Class 2 Felony)
* *One count - Aggravated Eluding Law Enforcement (Class 6 Felony)
The convictions arise from charges contained in the superseding indictment returned by the Union County Grand Jury.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) determined that the involved Sioux Falls Police officers and the Highway Patrol trooper were justified in their use of force.
DCI was assisted by the Beresford Police Department in the Union County investigation. The case was prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney General's Office.
Albaidhani also faces separate pending charges in Minnehaha County. He is presumed innocent on those matters under the United States Constitution.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3036
Attorney General Bonta Secures Ruling Blocking Trump Administration's Illegal Attempt to Limit Access to Gender-Affirming Care
SACRAMENTO, California, March 20 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Secures Ruling Blocking Trump Administration's Illegal Attempt to Limit Access to Gender-Affirming Care
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta yesterday secured a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon blocking U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s December 18, 2025 declaration (Kennedy Declaration). The Kennedy Declaration claims that gender-affirming care fails to meet professionally
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SACRAMENTO, California, March 20 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Secures Ruling Blocking Trump Administration's Illegal Attempt to Limit Access to Gender-Affirming Care
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta yesterday secured a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon blocking U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s December 18, 2025 declaration (Kennedy Declaration). The Kennedy Declaration claims that gender-affirming care fails to meet professionallyrecognized standards of care and that, as such, HHS may disqualify any doctors or hospitals that provide such care from federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. By threatening to disqualify providers from Medicare and Medicaid, the Trump Administration has sought to bully doctors and hospitals into no longer providing medically necessary gender-affirming care.
"This ruling marks a major victory in our fight against the Trump Administration's cruel campaign against transgender Americans," said Attorney General Bonta. "The Kennedy Declaration sought to unlawfully bully doctors and hospitals into halting crucial care for transgender individuals nationwide. I am pleased the court has ruled in our favor, and I will continue to fight to protect Americans and the providers they trust from this Administration's hateful agenda."
On December 23, 2025, Attorney General Bonta joined a coalition of 18 other attorneys general and one governor in filing a lawsuit challenging the Kennedy Declaration.
In yesterday's ruling, the court granted the states' motion for summary judgment, declaring that the Kennedy Declaration lacks the authority to establish superseding standards of care to exclude providers from federal healthcare programs.
BACKGROUND
Attorney General Bonta is committed to defending transgender individuals' right to safely access medically necessary gender-affirming care and to protecting medical providers' ability to continue providing medically necessary care for their patients. In August 2025, Attorney General Bonta co-led a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit that challenges the Trump Administration's executive order attempting to restrict the provision of medically necessary gender-affirming care for individuals under the age of 19 by threatening providers with civil and criminal prosecution under specious legal theories. In December 2025, he joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing amicus briefs opposing efforts by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to undermine the independence of scientific organizations that support medically necessary gender-affirming care. In late 2025, he filed amicus briefs opposing the U.S. Department of Justice's (U.S. DOJ) subpoenas for private medical records, including patient records, related to gender-affirming care at Children's Hospital Colorado, Boston Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In January 2026, he filed a lawsuit against Rady Children's Health for unlawfully closing its gender-affirming care program for patients under the age of 19.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-secures-ruling-blocking-trump-administration%E2%80%99s-illegal
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Challenges Utility Rate Mechanism That Could Guarantee Higher Bills
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 20 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Challenges Utility Rate Mechanism That Could Guarantee Higher Bills
Attorney General Kris Mayes today filed an Application for Rehearing challenging a recent Arizona Corporation Commission decision that approved a new rate-setting mechanism for UNS Gas, Inc. that could lock in automatic annual rate increases for the company's ratepayers with little meaningful oversight.
The filing argues that the Annual Rate Adjustment Mechanism (ARAM) approved
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PHOENIX, Arizona, March 20 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Challenges Utility Rate Mechanism That Could Guarantee Higher Bills
Attorney General Kris Mayes today filed an Application for Rehearing challenging a recent Arizona Corporation Commission decision that approved a new rate-setting mechanism for UNS Gas, Inc. that could lock in automatic annual rate increases for the company's ratepayers with little meaningful oversight.
The filing argues that the Annual Rate Adjustment Mechanism (ARAM) approvedin Commission Decision No. 81653 imposes unjust and unreasonable rates by shifting financial risk from UNS Gas shareholders to ratepayers and essentially guaranteeing that the company will earn its authorized rate of return regardless of how efficiently it operates.
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"Arizonans deserve utility rates that are fair and transparent, not a rubber stamp process designed to increase rates automatically," said Attorney General Mayes. "This mechanism strips ratepayers of the due process protections they're entitled to under the Arizona Constitution."
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The filing also argues the ARAM's streamlined annual review process -- which gives parties just a few months to challenge rate increases with limited discovery and no witness testimony from the company -- fails to provide constitutionally required due process.
AG Mayes is asking the Commission to rehear the decision and issue an amended order consistent with Arizona's constitutional requirements.
A copy of the filing is available (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=69b44c88ce&e=9153ff6c96).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-challenges-utility-rate-mechanism-could-guarantee-higher-bills
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Challenges Unlawful Rescission of Landmark 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 20 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Challenges Unlawful Rescission of Landmark 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
Attorney General Kris Mayes today joined a coalition of states, counties and cities to challenge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's unlawful attempt to rescind its 2009 Endangerment Finding - the agency's seminal determination that greenhouse gas pollution from motor vehicles drives climate change and endangers public health and welfare.
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"On the day
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PHOENIX, Arizona, March 20 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Challenges Unlawful Rescission of Landmark 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
Attorney General Kris Mayes today joined a coalition of states, counties and cities to challenge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's unlawful attempt to rescind its 2009 Endangerment Finding - the agency's seminal determination that greenhouse gas pollution from motor vehicles drives climate change and endangers public health and welfare.
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"On the daywe file this lawsuit, much of Arizona is under an extreme heat warning due to an unprecedented early heatwave that has spiked temperatures over twenty degrees above normal," said Attorney General Mayes. "The science behind the 2009 Endangerment Finding is real and grounded in rigorous research. It is abundantly clear that greenhouse gas pollution has fueled climate change in our state and across the entire planet. The decision by the Trump administration to rescind the Endangerment Finding will only accelerate climate change. Putting the profits of the fossil fuel industry over the future of our planet is a failure of historic proportions and we will fight it with every tool we have."
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The 2009 Endangerment Finding was the direct result of the landmark 2007 Supreme Court decision in Massachusetts v. EPA, which confirmed that the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions that endanger public health and welfare. Based on years of rigorous scientific analysis and review, in 2009 EPA determined that emissions from motor vehicles contribute to air pollution that harms public health and the environment. EPA then set federal standards to limit those emissions, which have led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.
Now, almost two decades later, EPA has rushed a rulemaking process to rescind the Endangerment Finding and repeal all motor vehicles greenhouse gas standards, blatantly disregarding the law and science. EPA's rescission is based on flawed interpretations of the law --- previously rejected by the Supreme Court -- that the agency lacks authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The rescission also ignores decades of peer-reviewed scientific evidence confirming the reality and severity of climate change. By eliminating all existing and future federal vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards, the rule violates EPA's legal obligations, fundamental principles of administrative law, and its mission to protect public health and welfare.
The threat of severe climate change in Arizona cannot be overstated. In 2023, for example, Arizona experienced its hottest summer since recordkeeping began more than 100 years ago. In Maricopa County alone, more than 500 people died, and emergency rooms statewide recorded more than 4,000 heat-related visits. The severity and frequency of high temperatures continues to increase, which poses risks to public health, infrastructure, and our economy.
Climate change also increases the frequency and severity of wildfires, a constant source of danger in Arizona's desert climate. Just last year, the Dragon Bravo Fire--one of the largest in Arizona history--burned 145,504 acres and destroyed 113 structures on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Severe wildfires threaten human life, cause substantial landscape disturbance, and create significant and cascading economic impacts for the State and its residents.
Today's lawsuit is the latest action taken by AG Mayes and the coalition in their ongoing effort to fight back against EPA's unlawful rescission of the 2009 Endangerment Finding. In the fall of 2025, 23 attorneys general and seven counties and cities in submitting two comment letters urging EPA to abandon the proposal, arguing that it would violate settled law, clear Supreme Court precedent, and scientific consensus, endanger hundreds of millions of Americans--particularly communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms--and cause unprecedented disruption to the regulatory landscape with catastrophic consequences for residents, industries, natural resources, and public investments.
Co-led by the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts, AG Mayes is joined in filing this challenge, by the attorneys general of: Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia. In addition, this challenge is joined by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; City of Boston, Massachusetts; City of Chicago, Illinois; City of Cleveland, Ohio; City of Columbus, Ohio; City and County of Denver, Colorado; City of Los Angeles, California; City of New York, New York, City and County of San Francisco, California; City and County of Santa Clara, California, and Harris County, Texas
A copy of the filing is available (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=b18b91d932&e=9153ff6c96).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-challenges-unlawful-rescission-landmark-2009-greenhouse-gas
A.G. Jackley Commends S.D. Supreme Court Decision Affirming Inmate Conviction on Assault of DOC Staff Member
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Commends SD Supreme Court Decision Affirming Inmate Conviction on Assault of DOC Staff Member
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the South Dakota Supreme Court has affirmed the convictions of Kelly D. Warfield for simple assault against a Department of Corrections correctional officer and intentional damage to property, stemming from a 2021 incident at the Mike Durfee State Prison.
"The South Dakota Department
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PIERRE, South Dakota, March 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Commends SD Supreme Court Decision Affirming Inmate Conviction on Assault of DOC Staff Member
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the South Dakota Supreme Court has affirmed the convictions of Kelly D. Warfield for simple assault against a Department of Corrections correctional officer and intentional damage to property, stemming from a 2021 incident at the Mike Durfee State Prison.
"The South Dakota Departmentof Corrections and our correctional officers work hard every day to maintain safety inside our facilities," said Attorney General Jackley. "We appreciate the Supreme Court's careful review and its affirmation of the convictions, which supports the lawful actions of the officers involved and upholds accountability for violent conduct within our prisons."
Warfield, who was serving prior felony sentences, damaged prison property and assaulted a correctional officer after officers attempted to confiscate a television missing required security stickers. The incident was captured on prison surveillance cameras and corroborated by testimony from multiple correctional officers.
In its decision, the Supreme Court rejected all five issues raised on appeal, including challenges related to charging decisions, admission of video evidence, denial of a self defense instruction, access to surveillance footage, and alleged double jeopardy concerns. The Court concluded that the State acted within its discretion, that Warfield had waived or failed to support certain objections, and that the evidence did not support a theory of self defense.
The opinion details that Warfield struck and damaged a computer monitor and wall mounted television before engaging in a physical altercation with a correctional officer in the day hall area. Officers testified consistently about the assault, and video footage--despite a brief four second skip caused by a known bandwidth issue--showed Warfield advancing on and punching the officer.
The Court held that the missing video segment did not constitute a due process violation because there was no evidence the lost footage had exculpatory value or that comparable evidence could not be obtained.
The case was prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General's Office represented the state in the appeal.
Click here for the decision: https://ujs.sd.gov/media/0tgi4jcm/30929.pdf
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3037
