Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
Featured Stories
Md. A.G. Brown Gives Consumers Instructions on Accessing Funds From $700 Million Google Settlement
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Dec. 10 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Gives Consumers Instructions on Accessing Funds from $700 Million Google Settlement
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is directing consumers' attention to new information and instructions to receive funds from a $700 million settlement with Google secured by Attorney General Brown and a coalition of 52 other attorneys general. Preliminary approval was granted on November 20, 2025, triggering the court's notice and approval process.
If the settlement is approved
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Dec. 10 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Gives Consumers Instructions on Accessing Funds from $700 Million Google Settlement
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is directing consumers' attention to new information and instructions to receive funds from a $700 million settlement with Google secured by Attorney General Brown and a coalition of 52 other attorneys general. Preliminary approval was granted on November 20, 2025, triggering the court's notice and approval process.
If the settlement is approvedby the court, at a hearing on April 30, 2026, the majority of the settlement funds will be distributed to consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google's anticompetitive conduct. Google will also make changes to stop its anticompetitive practices that harmed consumers and app developers.
"Google's anticompetitive practices forced Marylanders to overpay for their purchases on the Play store," said Attorney General Brown. "This settlement returns hundreds of millions to affected consumers and holds Google accountable for its conduct."
Beginning December 2, 2025, consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google's anticompetitive practices began receiving notices about the distribution process for the settlement funds. Most affected consumers do not need to take further action to receive a payment from the settlement fund. The settlement fund will make the majority of payments automatically, and no claim form is necessary in most cases.
Once the settlement has been approved by the court, consumers will receive an email from PayPal or a text from Venmo notifying them of their incoming payment at the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account. If that email address or phone number is also associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then the payment will be made directly to that account. If that email address or phone number does not match an email address or phone number associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then consumers have the option to create a new account or direct the payment to a PayPal or Venmo account at another email address or phone number.
There will be a supplemental claims process after the automatic payments process is complete for consumers who either:
* Do not have an existing PayPal or Venmo account and do not want to sign up for PayPal or Venmo;
* No longer have access to the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account; or
* Were expecting to receive a payment but did not.
If consumers would like to be notified by email when the supplemental claims process starts, they may submit their name, email address, and mobile phone number on the settlement website.
Attorney General Brown encourages all affected consumers to keep track of important upcoming dates in the settlement approval process:
* Consumers who do not want to receive payment from the settlement fund and want to bring their own case against Google must submit a request to be excluded online or in writing by February 19, 2026.
* Consumers who want to object to the settlement can file a written objection by February 19, 2026.
* The court will hold a hearing on April 30, 2026, to consider whether to approve the settlement.
Joining Attorney General Brown in securing this settlement are the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
* * *
Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Gives-Consumers-Instructions-on-Accessing-Funds-from-$700-Million-Google-Settlement.aspx
States prevail over Trump attacks on wind energy development
OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 9 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
States prevail over Trump attacks on wind energy development
*
Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of 18 attorneys general Monday won their lawsuit against the Trump administration's unlawful order to freeze the development of wind energy projects.
In May, the coalition filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision to indefinitely halt all federal approvals necessary for the development of offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review.
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 9 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
States prevail over Trump attacks on wind energy development
*
Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of 18 attorneys general Monday won their lawsuit against the Trump administration's unlawful order to freeze the development of wind energy projects.
In May, the coalition filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision to indefinitely halt all federal approvals necessary for the development of offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review.Monday, a federal judge in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts vacated those actions, ruling that they were arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law.
"We can't unleash American energy by kneecapping some of the fastest growing, most innovative, and cleanest resources in the country," Brown said in May upon joining the lawsuit. "Without a robust clean energy economy, we will see worsening climate change, more expensive energy from toxic fossil fuels, fewer jobs, and fewer solutions to our greatest challenges."
Wind energy is a homegrown source of reliable, affordable energy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, creates billions of dollars in economic activity and tax payments, and supplies more than 10% of the country's electricity.
The indefinite halt on project approvals threatened Washington's ability to meet its greenhouse gas emissions requirements and renewable energy commitments. It also threatened an increasingly important part of Washington's economy. Washington has enacted multiple state laws encouraging the deployment of affordable, clean renewable energy like that from wind.
Wind power is the second largest contributor to Washington's renewable energy generation after hydroelectric power. In 2024, Washington generated 8,421 Megawatt hours from wind power alone. In contrast to fossil fuels, which are often subject to volatile market conditions, wind power enhances Washington's energy security and economic stability.
The coalition argued that federal agencies' actions violated the Administrative Procedure Act and other federal laws because the agencies, among other things, provided no reasoned explanation for categorically and indefinitely halting all wind energy approvals. The lawsuit also argued that the abrupt halt on all permitting violated numerous federal statutes that prescribe specific procedures and timelines for federal permitting and approvalsprocedures the administration wholly disregarded in stopping wind-energy development altogether.
Brown was joined in this lawsuit, which was led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts and New York, by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Rhode Island.
-30-
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
Media Resource Guide & Attorney General's Office FAQ
***
Original text here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/states-prevail-over-trump-attacks-wind-energy-development
Safe2Tell reports lead to timely interventions as more than 3,000 concerns are submitted in November
DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 9 -- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued the following news release:
* * *
Safe2Tell reports lead to timely interventions as more than 3,000 concerns are submitted in November
*
Dec. 9, 2025 (DENVER) Early reporting through Safe2Tell prompted swift intervention in several serious situations last month, demonstrating how students and community members continue to use the program to protect one another and prevent harm. Among the 3,038 reports submitted in November were concerns related to home instability, student safety and potential violence, each requiring
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 9 -- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued the following news release:
* * *
Safe2Tell reports lead to timely interventions as more than 3,000 concerns are submitted in November
*
Dec. 9, 2025 (DENVER) Early reporting through Safe2Tell prompted swift intervention in several serious situations last month, demonstrating how students and community members continue to use the program to protect one another and prevent harm. Among the 3,038 reports submitted in November were concerns related to home instability, student safety and potential violence, each requiringcoordinated responses from schools, law enforcement, and community partners.
In one instance, a report about a student possibly experiencing abuse and food insecurity led to immediate involvement by school officials, law enforcement, and the Department of Human Services. The student is now receiving support from a school counselor as the matter continues to be investigated.
In another case, a report that a student brought a knife to school and threatened a peer resulted in prompt action by school staff. The student admitted to the behavior, parents were notified, disciplinary steps were taken, and the student is now working with a counselor.
"Safe2Tell is most effective when people act quickly on their concerns," said Attorney General Phil Weiser. "Colorado students continue to show courage by speaking up, and those choices allow adults to intervene before harm occurs. This program works because our communities believe in looking out for one anotherwhether that means recognizing a classmate in distress or reporting a situation that might escalate into something more serious. When people take that step, they help create safer, more supportive schools across our state."
Safe2Tell has received 12,013 reports so far in the 2025-26 school year. The most common reporting themes in November were mental health (15.9%), bullying (14.8%), school safety (14.7%), and substance use (10.2%). Duplicate reports remained frequent and often occurred alongside these more serious concerns, reflecting that multiple people notice the same issue and choose to speak up. False reports remain historically low at 1.4% for the school year, indicating the overwhelming majority of submissions represent genuine concerns or requests for assistance.
"We continue to see that when students notice something concerning, they are willing to speak upoften together," said Safe2Tell Director Stacey Scardino. "The fact that so many incidents are reported by multiple people underscores a shared commitment to protecting one another and ensuring no concern goes unseen."
A full breakdown of this month's data is available in the Safe2Tell November 2025 Monthly Report (PDF). Definitions for each reporting category can be found in the Safe2Tell Report Categorization Guide (PDF).
About Safe2Tell
Safe2Tell is a statewide violence intervention and prevention program that allows students and community members to anonymously report safety concerns. Safe2Tell is not an emergency response unit or a mental health service provider; it is an information pathway that delivers anonymous reports to local law enforcement and school officials as required by state law.
How to submit a report
Reports can be made 24/7 by calling 1-877-542-7233, visiting Safe2Tell.org, texting S2TCO to 738477, or using the Safe2Tell mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Media Contact:
Mallory Boyce
Communications Specialist
720-508-6787 (office) | 720-219-1898 (cell)
Mallory.Boyce@coag.gov
***
Original text here: https://coag.gov/press-releases/safe2tell-report-november-2025/
Attorney General Ken Paxton Defeats Biden Administration Rule that Blocked State Investigations into Abortion and "Gender Transition" Cases
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 9 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Ken Paxton Defeats Biden Administration Rule that Blocked State Investigations into Abortion and "Gender Transition" Cases
*
Attorney General Ken Paxton is announcing a major victory in a case against the Corrupt Biden Administration as a Biden-era U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS") rule that allowed healthcare providers to refuse to cooperate with state investigations related to "reproductive healthcare" has now been permanently vacated. With the assurance
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 9 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Ken Paxton Defeats Biden Administration Rule that Blocked State Investigations into Abortion and "Gender Transition" Cases
*
Attorney General Ken Paxton is announcing a major victory in a case against the Corrupt Biden Administration as a Biden-era U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS") rule that allowed healthcare providers to refuse to cooperate with state investigations related to "reproductive healthcare" has now been permanently vacated. With the assurancethat states have the ability to fully investigate the performance of illegal "gender transition" services and abortions, Attorney General Paxton filed a joint motion with President Trump's Department of Justice ("DOJ") concluding the case.
The Biden era rule attempted to radically rewrite the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA"). It created sweeping new restrictions on when healthcare providers could share information with state officials related to "reproductive health care," which is a term the agency defined so broadly it included everything from abortion to "gender transition" procedures for minors. The rule threatened criminal penalties against providers who complied with legitimate state subpoenas. The corrupt Biden HHS attempted to transform HIPAA into a tool to shield potential wrongdoing and hinder Texas's ability to enforce its laws.
"The Corrupt Biden Administration failed in its radical attempt to obstruct our ability to protect women, children, and those who can't yet speak for themselves. This dismissal confirms that federal agencies cannot take away the power of a state to uphold their laws," said Attorney General Paxton. "This is a crucial win for Texas, the unborn, and the rule of law."
Biden's HHS issued their unlawful rule in response to the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization case, which returned the power to regulate abortion to the states. Attorney General Paxton's victory follows months of litigation and reaffirms the Office of the Attorney General's authority to fully investigate illegal "gender transition" and abortion related cases in Texas.
***
Original text here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-defeats-biden-administration-rule-blocked-state-investigations-abortion
Attorney General Alan Wilson gives consumers instructions on accessing $700 million Google settlement
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Dec. 9 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
* * *
Attorney General Alan Wilson gives consumers instructions on accessing $700 million Google settlement
*
(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is directing consumers' attention to new information and instructions to receive funds from a $700 million settlement with Google secured by him and a coalition of 52 other attorneys general. Preliminary approval was granted on November 20, 2025, triggering the court's notice and approval process. If the settlement
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Dec. 9 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
* * *
Attorney General Alan Wilson gives consumers instructions on accessing $700 million Google settlement
*
(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is directing consumers' attention to new information and instructions to receive funds from a $700 million settlement with Google secured by him and a coalition of 52 other attorneys general. Preliminary approval was granted on November 20, 2025, triggering the court's notice and approval process. If the settlementis approved by the court, at a hearing on April 30, 2026, the majority of the settlement funds will be distributed to consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google's anticompetitive conduct. Google will also make changes to stop its anticompetitive practices that harmed consumers and app developers.
"As I indicated almost two years ago, this settlement shows our commitment to protecting our state and promoting competition. I urge all South Carolinians who were harmed to keep track of the upcoming dates," Attorney General Wilson said.
Beginning December 2, 2025, consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google's anticompetitive practices began receiving notices about the distribution process for the settlement funds. Most affected consumers do not need to take further action to receive a payment from the settlement fund. The settlement fund will make the majority of payments automatically, and no claim form is necessary in most cases.
Once the settlement has been approved by the court, consumers will receive an email from PayPal or a text from Venmo notifying them of their incoming payment at the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account. If that email address or phone number is also associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then the payment will be made directly to that account. If that email address or phone number does not match an email address or phone number associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then consumers have the option to create a new account or direct the payment to a PayPal or Venmo account at another email address or phone number.
There will be a supplemental claims process after the automatic payments process is complete for consumers who either:
* Do not have an existing PayPal or Venmo account and do not want to sign up for PayPal or Venmo;
* No longer have access to the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account; or
* Were expecting to receive a payment but did not.
If consumers would like to be notified by email when the supplemental claims process starts, they may submit their name, email address, and mobile phone number on the settlement website.
Attorney General Wilson encourages all affected consumers to keep track of important upcoming dates in the settlement approval process:
* Consumers who do not want to receive payment from the settlement fund and want to bring their own case against Google must submit a request to be excluded online or in writing by February 19, 2026.
* Consumers who want to object to the settlement can file a written objection by February 19, 2026.
* The court will hold a hearing on April 30, 2026, to consider whether to approve the settlement.
Joining Attorney General Wilson in securing this settlement are the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
***
Original text here: https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/attorney-general-alan-wilson-gives-consumers-instructions-on-accessing-700-million-google-settlement/
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHARGES MACOUPIN COUNTY MAN FOR DISSEMINATING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 9 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
* * *
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHARGES MACOUPIN COUNTY MAN FOR DISSEMINATING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL
*
Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Virden, Illinois man for allegedly disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul's ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online.
The Attorney General's office
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 9 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
* * *
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHARGES MACOUPIN COUNTY MAN FOR DISSEMINATING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL
*
Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Virden, Illinois man for allegedly disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul's ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online.
The Attorney General's officecharged Jacob D. Monty, 28, in Macoupin County Circuit Court with two counts of dissemination of child pornography, each Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Monty is being held at the Macoupin County Jail, and his next scheduled court date is Dec. 16.
"Survivors of child abuse and exploitation are revictimized every time an individual downloads or trades one of these horrific photos or videos," Raoul said. "My office's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force works tirelessly to identify and track down individuals who assault and exploit children. I will continue to partner with local law enforcement to locate and hold these offenders accountable."
Raoul's investigators, along with officers from the Virden Police Department, conducted a search of Monty's residence in the 300 block of East Holden Street in Virden. Monty was arrested after evidence of child sexual abuse material was found.
Raoul's office is prosecuting the case with Macoupin State's Attorney Jordan Garrison's office.
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Raoul's office, with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, runs the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. The task force receives CyberTips, or online reports of child sexual abuse material, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Over the last several years, CyberTipline reports have steadily increased. In 2024, reports to the ICAC Task Force increased by 11% over 2023.
Illinois' ICAC Task Force is one of 61 ICAC task forces throughout the country and is comprised of a network of more than 200 local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Since 2019, the Attorney General's ICAC Task Force has received more than 60,000 CyberTips and has been involved in more than 1,000 arrests of sexual predators. Since 2006, the Attorney General's ICAC Task Force has been involved in more than 2,400 arrests of sexual predators. In 2024, the task force was involved in rescuing more than 45 child victims from ongoing abuse. The task force also has provided internet safety training and education to tens of thousands of parents, teachers, students and law enforcement professionals.
Attorney General Raoul is reminding the public that child sexual exploitation can be reported online at cybertipline.com and child abuse at dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov. In addition, local child advocacy centers can be found at childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org
Assistant Attorney General Victoria Chaves is prosecuting the case for Raoul's High Tech Crimes Bureau.
***
Original text here: https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-charges-macoupin-county-man-for-disseminating-child-sexual-abuse-material
AG's office provides instructions for Washingtonians eligible for payments from $700 million Google settlement
OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 9 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
AG's office provides instructions for Washingtonians eligible for payments from $700 million Google settlement
*
Attorney General Nick Brown announced that new instructions are available to help eligible consumers receive payment from a $700 million settlement the AG's office and a coalition of 52 other attorneys general reached with Google in 2023. The coalition sued Google for monopolistic conduct in the operation of the Google Play store, alleging that Google unlawfully maintained
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 9 -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
AG's office provides instructions for Washingtonians eligible for payments from $700 million Google settlement
*
Attorney General Nick Brown announced that new instructions are available to help eligible consumers receive payment from a $700 million settlement the AG's office and a coalition of 52 other attorneys general reached with Google in 2023. The coalition sued Google for monopolistic conduct in the operation of the Google Play store, alleging that Google unlawfully maintaineda monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices and used its monopoly power to charge consumers as much as 30 percent in fees for purchasing apps and making in-app purchases.
"Washington will always stand up to corporate monopolies to protect consumers and entrepreneurs from unfair practices," said Brown. "No one is above the law. We are proud to deliver this money for Washingtonians and encourage anyone eligible for this settlement to make sure you get what you deserve."
The majority of the settlement funds will be distributed to consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google's anticompetitive conduct. A court has already preliminarily approved the settlement and has set a hearing to consider whether to give it final approval in April 2026.
Joining Brown in securing this settlement are the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Information on Settlement Eligibility and Logistics: Consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google's anticompetitive practices began receiving notices about the distribution process for the settlement funds on December 2, 2025. Most affected consumers do not need to take further action to receive a payment from the settlement fund. The settlement fund will make the majority of payments automatically, and no claim form is necessary in most cases. If you believe you are eligible for the settlement but have not received a notice, visit the settlement website. Note: the settlement website may not be accessible if you are connected to a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Once the settlement has been approved by the court, consumers will receive an email from PayPal or a text from Venmo notifying them of their incoming payment at the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account. If that email address or phone number is also associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then the payment will be made directly to that account. If that email address or phone number does not match an email address or phone number associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then consumers have the option to create a new account or direct the payment to a PayPal or Venmo account at another email address or phone number.
There will be a supplemental claims process after the automatic payments process is complete for consumers who either:
* Do not have an existing PayPal or Venmo account and do not want to sign up for PayPal or Venmo;
* No longer have access to the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account; or
* Were expecting to receive a payment but did not.
If consumers would like to be notified by email when the supplemental claims process starts, they may submit their name, email address, and mobile phone number on the settlement website.
Brown encourages all affected consumers to keep track of important upcoming dates in the settlement approval process:
* Consumers who do not want to receive payment from the settlement fund and want to bring their own case against Google must submit a request to be excluded online or in writing by February 19, 2026.
* Consumers who want to object to the settlement can file a written objection by February 19, 2026.
* The court will hold a hearing on April 30, 2026, to consider whether to approve the settlement.
-30-
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
Media Resource Guide & Attorney General's Office FAQ
***
Original text here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-s-office-provides-instructions-washingtonians-eligible-payments-700-million
