Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Statement From Attorney General Brown on the Court's Ruling Against the Trump Administration's Unlawful Suspension of SNAP
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 1 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on Oct. 31, 2025:
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Statement from Attorney General Brown on the Court's Ruling Against the Trump Administration's Unlawful Suspension of SNAP
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Nov. 1 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following statement on Oct. 31, 2025:
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Statement from Attorney General Brown on the Court's Ruling Against the Trump Administration's Unlawful Suspension of SNAP
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal governmentshutdown. The Court also found the federal government may consider other funding sources to fully fund the program in November. USDA has until the end of the day on Monday to let the Court know whether it will fully or partially fund the SNAP program.
The order comes after Attorney General Brown joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general and three governors in suing the Trump administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Today's order makes clear that USDA must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. The federal Administration has indicated that the funds will not be enough to cover the cost of November SNAP for all 50 states, and the order puts the ball in the federal government's court. The federal government must tell the Court by Monday, November 3, whether it will authorize the benefits needed to ensure that 42 million Americans do not risk going hungry in November.
Statement from Attorney General Anthony Brown:
"The Court agreed that USDA can't lawfully cut off Marylanders' SNAP benefits. As this case moves forward, we will continue to fight in court to force the federal government to fund SNAP benefits that families rely on to put food on the table. The Marylanders who depend on SNAP include seniors on fixed incomes, parents working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and students so hungry that they can't pay attention in school. Every Marylander deserves the dignity of knowing where their next meal will come from. We will not allow the Trump administration to take food from children's mouths when they have the money to feed them."
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Statement-from-Attorney-General-Brown-on-the-Court%e2%80%99s-Ruling-Against-the-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-Unlawful-Suspension-of-SNAP-.aspx
S.D. A.G. Jackley Releases Final Ballot Explanation for Proposed 2026 Initiated Constitutional Amendment on Property Taxes
PIERRE, South Dakota, Nov. 1 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Releases Final Ballot Explanation for Proposed 2026 Initiated Constitutional Amendment on Property Taxes
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the final ballot explanation for a proposed initiated Constitutional Amendment submitted by sponsors that would repeal property taxes in South Dakota and replace them with a "retail transaction" tax. The proposed amendment would be on the 2026 general election ballot if 35,017 valid petition signatures
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Nov. 1 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Releases Final Ballot Explanation for Proposed 2026 Initiated Constitutional Amendment on Property Taxes
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the final ballot explanation for a proposed initiated Constitutional Amendment submitted by sponsors that would repeal property taxes in South Dakota and replace them with a "retail transaction" tax. The proposed amendment would be on the 2026 general election ballot if 35,017 valid petition signaturesare collected.
Attorney General Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation. As required by law, he has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the initiated Constitutional Amendment to help assist the voters as required by state law. The sponsor of the proposed initiated Constitutional Amendment is Abolish Property Taxes SD, a Statewide Ballot Question Committee formed by Julie Frye-Mueller, Matt Smith, and Mike Mueller.
This proposed initiated Constitutional Amendment would repeal the South Dakota's property tax scheme set forth in the Constitution and replaces it with a tax "on each retail transaction." For each "retail transaction" of $15 or more, a flat tax of $1.50 is assessed. For each "retail transaction" less than $15, a 10% tax is assessed.
The Attorney General's explanation was finalized after a review of all the comments received during the 10-day comment period on the Attorney General's draft explanation. A total of 229 comments were received by the deadline.
Language for the final initiated ballot measure explanation can be found here (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2938).
Ballot Explanation Comments can be found here (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2938).
For more information regarding ballot measures, please visit the Secretary of State's website (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2938).
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2938
R.I. A.G. Neronha Praises Court Decision in SNAP Case
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 1 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following statement on Oct. 31, 2025:
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Attorney General Neronha praises Court decision in SNAP case
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Court also found that if the
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 1 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following statement on Oct. 31, 2025:
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Attorney General Neronha praises Court decision in SNAP case
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Court also found that if thecontingency fund cannot fully fund the program in November, then the federal government must consider other, additional funding sources. USDA has until the end of the day on Monday to let the Court know whether it will fully or partially fund the SNAP program.
Specifically, Judge Indira Talwani stated that the federal government's decision to withhold SNAP benefits was "unlawful," while also opining during a hearing on the matter that the USDA's contingency funds can and should be used for SNAP recipients.
"There are few things more important than access to food, which is why today's order is so crucial," said Attorney General Neronha. "As Americans continue to struggle with inflation and the rising costs of housing, health care, and everyday items, we cannot allow the federal government to strip away a safety net program which feeds those who cannot afford to feed themselves. As a reminder, the USDA has billions in contingency funds so the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP can continue to feed their families in the case of a government shutdown. This is a matter of life and death, and I'm grateful that these funds will soon flow to families that need them the most."
The order comes after Attorney General Neronha joined a coalition of 26 states in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Today's order makes clear that USDA must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. The federal Administration has indicated that the funds will not be enough to cover the cost of November SNAP for all 50 states, and the order puts the ball in the federal government's court. The federal government must tell the Court by Monday, November 3, whether it will utilize other funding sources beyond the SNAP contingency fund to ensure that 42 million Americans do not risk going hungry in November.
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-praises-court-decision-snap-case
Okla. A.G. Drummond's Organized Crime Task Force Marks Two Years of Success
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Nov. 1 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Oct. 31, 2025:
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Drummond's Organized Crime Task Force marks two years of success
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today announced significant accomplishments by the Organized Crime Task Force as a critical weapon in the fight against illegal marijuana operations, fentanyl distribution and organized crime across Oklahoma. The task force began its work two years ago this month.
Since its creation in 2023, the task force has been instrumental in the closure of more than 7,000
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Nov. 1 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Oct. 31, 2025:
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Drummond's Organized Crime Task Force marks two years of success
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today announced significant accomplishments by the Organized Crime Task Force as a critical weapon in the fight against illegal marijuana operations, fentanyl distribution and organized crime across Oklahoma. The task force began its work two years ago this month.
Since its creation in 2023, the task force has been instrumental in the closure of more than 7,000illegal operations and has directly conducted 73 operations, resulting in the seizure of 329,075 marijuana plants, 152,612 pounds of processed marijuana, and 26,520 pounds of THC concentrate. The operations have led to 79 arrests and 27 deportations of individuals involved in illegal grow operations. The Attorney General's Office has filed 153 cases for criminal prosecution and has initiated scores of real estate civil asset forfeiture cases based on the work of the task force.
"The Organized Crime Task Force has proven to be an indispensable tool in our fight against the cartels and criminal syndicates who have sought to exploit Oklahoma's medical marijuana industry and destroy the fabric of our rural society," said Drummond. "Oklahoma has long needed the leadership of a fighter. These statistics represent more than numbers. They represent communities protected, families kept safe and organized criminals driven out of our state. We will continue this aggressive enforcement until every illegal operation is shut down."
The task force works in close coordination with numerous federal agencies, tribal police forces, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and other state, county and municipal agencies to investigate crimes related to illegal grow operations, including human trafficking and the distribution of deadly drugs such as fentanyl.
Citizens with information about suspected illegal grow operations are encouraged to submit tips to the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General. A form is available on the Attorney General's website. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2025/october/drummonds-organized-crime-task-force-marks-two-years-of-success.html
N.J. A.G. Platkin: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Reaches $2.8 Million Settlement With MV Realty Over Company's Predatory Real Estate Scheme
TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 1 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Oct. 31, 2025:
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AG Platkin: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Reaches $2.8 Million Settlement with MV Realty Over Company's Predatory Real Estate Scheme
Company Agrees to Stop Selling and Enforcing Onerous "Homeowner Benefit Agreements" in NJ and Pay More than $1.3 Million in Restitution to Affected Consumers Statewide
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Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") today announced a $2.8 million settlement with MV Realty that
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 1 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Oct. 31, 2025:
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AG Platkin: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Reaches $2.8 Million Settlement with MV Realty Over Company's Predatory Real Estate Scheme
Company Agrees to Stop Selling and Enforcing Onerous "Homeowner Benefit Agreements" in NJ and Pay More than $1.3 Million in Restitution to Affected Consumers Statewide
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Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") today announced a $2.8 million settlement with MV Realty thatresolves the State's lawsuit alleging the Florida-based company violated New Jersey's consumer protection laws by tricking financially struggling homeowners into unconscionable agreements that placed liens on their homes and subjected them to draconian terms in exchange for nominal one-time cash payments. More than 1,200 New Jersey residents entered into these so-called "Homeowner Benefit Agreements" ("HBAs"), including 140 who paid early termination fees ranging from $575 to $42,000 to get out of them.
In a final consent judgment filed in New Jersey Superior Court in Essex County today, MV Realty PBC, LLC and MV Realty of New Jersey, LLC (collectively "MV Realty") and their principals Amanda J. Zachman f/k/a Amanda J. Zuckerman, David Manchester, David Reiner, and Antony Mitchell a/k/a Tony Mitchell (collectively with MV Realty, "Defendants"), agreed to stop entering into HBAs with New Jersey consumers, cease enforcing existing HBAs in this state-including recovering or attempting to recover any early termination fee or other payment for any alleged breach of an HBA-and file terminations of MV Realty's liens on homeowners' properties. The defendants were also assessed a $1.5 million civil penalty and required to pay $1,344,122 million in restitution to fully reimburse homeowners who paid early termination fees.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, MV Realty targeted financially struggling homeowners in a deceptive scheme that locked up equity in their most valuable asset - their homes," said Attorney General Platkin. "This settlement frees New Jerseyans from the unlawful liens MV Realty placed on their homes, provides monetary relief to those who suffered financially in this scheme, and holds MV Realty accountable for its deceptive practices."
"This settlement underscores New Jersey's commitment to halting unscrupulous business practices in our state and providing justice to consumers affected by the unlawful conduct," said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "Any company doing business in New Jersey must abide by our consumer protection laws or face significant consequences."
In a civil complaint filed in Superior Court Chancery Division in Essex County in 2023, the State alleged that despite not being registered as telemarketers, as required by law, the defendants routinely placed and directed the placement of unsolicited telemarketing calls to New Jersey consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeting homeowners struggling financially during the pandemic, the defendants offered them quick cash through MV Realty's deceptively named "Homeowner Benefit Program." Characterizing the program as "more than stimulus," the defendants offered homeowners between $300 to $5,000 upfront in exchange for the opportunity to serve as their future real estate agents.
The defendants represented that their product was not a loan and told homeowners they had "no obligation" to repay MV Realty or to ever sell their home in the future. However, the suit alleged the defendants failed to disclose the true nature of the Home Benefits Program or their predatory terms upfront. Among other things, the defendants did not disclose to consumers that the program operated as a high-interest mortgage loan, that a lien would be placed against their home, that there was a 40-year contract term, or that the agreement was binding on the consumer's heirs. The defendants also failed to disclose to consumer that they would pay an early termination fee of at least 3% of the property's value--a penalty of at least ten times the "promotion fee" the consumers received upfront--if the consumers listed the property for sale with another real estate agent, the home was foreclosed upon, the title of the home was transferred to a family member, heirs tried to sell the home, or if the consumer wished to cancel the deal.
The complaint alleged that MV Realty's practices violated New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act and regulations governing general advertising, and the telemarketing do not call regulations.
The Division of Consumer Affairs was represented in the settlement by Deputy Attorneys General Christopher Meyer, Claire Corea, Scott Jacobson, and Conor Vance of the Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section in the Division of Law's Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group, under the supervision of Assistant Section Chief Chanel Van Dyke and Section Chief Jesse J. Sierant. Investigators Renee Salikram and Walter Kaminski of the Office of Consumer Protection within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation.
Final Consent Judgment (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-1031_Filed-Consent-Judgement-Platkin-v.-MV-Realty.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-new-jersey-division-of-consumer-affairs-reaches-2-8-million-settlement-with-mv-realty-over-companys-predatory-real-estate-scheme/
Attorney General Secures Order Requiring Federal Government To Use SNAP Contingency Funds
TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 1 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Secures Order Requiring Federal Government To Use SNAP Contingency Funds
Department of Law and Public Safety Will Continue Fighting To Fund SNAP And To Help Provide Relief for Vulnerable New Jersey Residents Under Executive Orders 401 and 402
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New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and a multistate coalition of 23 Attorneys General and 3 Governors obtained a court order from the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts finding that the United States
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 1 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Secures Order Requiring Federal Government To Use SNAP Contingency Funds
Department of Law and Public Safety Will Continue Fighting To Fund SNAP And To Help Provide Relief for Vulnerable New Jersey Residents Under Executive Orders 401 and 402
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New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and a multistate coalition of 23 Attorneys General and 3 Governors obtained a court order from the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts finding that the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Court also found that if the contingency fund cannot fully fund the program in November, then the federal government must consider other, additional funding sources. Until USDA follows the court's ruling and takes further action, SNAP benefits will remain unavailable.
"From the beginning, we have said that the Trump Administration's attempt to cut over 800,000 New Jerseyans from SNAP benefits that keep food on the table for them was blatantly illegal, and today the court agreed with us," said Attorney General Platkin. "While this fight is not yet over, this is a critical development in our fight to prevent New Jersey families from being harmed by the Trump Administration's political games. We intend to ensure that this order is complied with and that our residents are no longer at risk of their benefits being cut off."
The order comes after Attorney General Platkin joined a coalition of 26 jurisdictions in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Today's order makes clear that USDA cannot refuse to use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. Should the contingency funds be insufficient to cover the cost of November's SNAP benefits, the federal government must consider what other funding sources can be tapped. The federal government must tell the Court by Monday, November 3, whether it will utilize other funding sources beyond the SNAP contingency fund to ensure that 42 million Americans do not go hungry in November. Separately, a federal court in the District of Rhode Island similarly concluded in a separate case that USDA must use the contingency funds to issue SNAP benefits as soon as possible.
Attorney General Platkin also applauds Governor Murphy's efforts to ensure that New Jerseyans have access to food by declaring a state of emergency due to the Federal Government's suspension of SNAP benefits. While today's court orders are an important step towards ensuring that New Jersey residents do not go hungry, the Federal Government's refusal to fund SNAP thus far creates a substantial likelihood of gaps and/or delays in the availability of November SNAP benefits. Today's Executive Order 402 provides a coordinated statewide response to the harms visited by imminent lapses in SNAP benefits and directs operational coordination by the Office of Emergency Management within the Division of State Police within the Department of Law and Public Safety.
Moreover, Attorney General Platkin will also serve on Governor Murphy's interagency Task Force on the Federal Suspension of SNAP Benefits, established by Executive Order 401, also issued today. The Attorney General will work with the other members of the Task Force on New Jersey's response to the food insecurity crisis caused by the USDA's failure to fund SNAP benefits.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/attorney-general-secures-order-requiring-federal-government-to-use-snap-contingency-funds/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Issues Statement on Order in SNAP Benefits Case
PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 1 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement on Oct. 31, 2025:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Statement on Order in SNAP Benefits Case
Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Court also found that if the contingency fund cannot
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 1 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement on Oct. 31, 2025:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Statement on Order in SNAP Benefits Case
Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Court also found that if the contingency fund cannotfully fund the program in November, then the federal government must consider other, additional funding sources. USDA has until the end of the day on Monday to let the Court know whether it will fully or partially fund the SNAP program.
"In the lawsuit I filed to protect SNAP for 900,000 Arizonans -- including 1 in 4 Arizona kids-- the court ruled the Trump administration acted illegally by trying to cut off access to food benefits even though there are emergency funds available," said Attorney General Mayes. "USDA must come up with a plan to pay benefits by Monday. We'll keep fighting to protect Arizonans."
The order comes after Attorney General Mayes joined a coalition of 26 states in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Today's order makes clear that USDA must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. The federal Administration has indicated that the funds will not be enough to cover the cost of November SNAP for all 50 states, and the order puts the ball in the federal government's court. The federal government must tell the Court by Monday, November 3, whether it will utilize other funding sources beyond the SNAP contingency fund to ensure that 42 million Americans do not risk going hungry in November.
* In Arizona, 12% of the state's population receives SNAP benefits, including 30,000 Arizona veterans.
* That means nearly 900,000 Arizonans rely on SNAP benefits to help feed themselves and their families.
* Most of these families would be out around $360, the average amount Arizona households using SNAP benefits were able to spend on groceries that month.
* 1 in 4 children in Arizona rely on SNAP benefits- in fact 40% of SNAP funding in Arizona goes to feeding children.
* For every meal that a food pantry provides, SNAP provides 9.
* The economy is going to take a big hit without SNAP funding as well. Data has shown that in a weak economy, $1 of SNAP benefits increases economic activity and growth by $1.5 to $1.8.
* Over 4,600 Arizona retailers are approved to accept EBT cards and could lose revenue.
This lawsuit was brought with the assistance of the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-issues-statement-order-snap-benefits-case
