Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
Featured Stories
Ga. A.G. Carr Urges Payment Processors to Stop Transactions of Illegal Chinese Vapes
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 23 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on April 22, 2026:
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Carr Urges Payment Processors to Stop Transactions of Illegal Chinese Vapes
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general in sending a letter to credit card companies urging them to stop the sale of illegal vape products facilitated through their payment card networks.
Illegal vapes, overwhelmingly manufactured in China, now account for almost all of the U.S. vape market - generating over $11 billion in annual retail sales and comprising
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ATLANTA, Georgia, April 23 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on April 22, 2026:
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Carr Urges Payment Processors to Stop Transactions of Illegal Chinese Vapes
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general in sending a letter to credit card companies urging them to stop the sale of illegal vape products facilitated through their payment card networks.
Illegal vapes, overwhelmingly manufactured in China, now account for almost all of the U.S. vape market - generating over $11 billion in annual retail sales and comprisingmore than 80 percent of all vape sales nationwide. The only way those illegal products can be distributed is through financial institutions and payment processors. In short, thousands of unauthorized e-cigs and vapes continue to use these platforms to facilitate illegal transactions of illegal products. Distributing and selling these products violates many federal and state laws.
"These illegal Chinese vapes are putting our children at risk, and we must do all we can to protect them," said Carr. "We have been fighting this issue since day one - pushing back on the Biden administration's FDA, advocating for stronger laws in Georgia, and warning our convenience stores not to put profit over safety. Now, we're asking payment processors to work with us to stop the flow of illegal, candy-flavored vapes once and for all."
The attorneys general are asking Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover to stop the flow of these illegal and unsafe products. There is a strong precedent for public-private cooperation in this area. In 2005, state attorneys general and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives successfully worked with payment card networks to stop the illegal sale of cigarettes over the internet.
The states urge the credit card companies to identify and remove merchants that sell illicit vapes from their networks and to publicize what steps they have taken so far to combat this problem.
In addition to Carr, this Iowa-led letter is joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia.
Find a copy of the letter here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/041426-ags-letter-illegal-chinese-vapespdf--UNPUBLISHED-document--DO-NOT-SHARE-this-URL--/download).
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-04-22/carr-urges-payment-processors-stop-transactions-illegal-chinese-vapes
Additional Information Regarding an Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Ashland, New Hampshire on April 20, 2026
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 23 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on April 22, 2026:
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Additional Information Regarding an Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Ashland, New Hampshire on April 20, 2026
Attorney General John M. Formella announces additional information concerning an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday, April 20, 2026, on Main Street in Ashland, New Hampshire, during a police motor vehicle stop.
An autopsy has been conducted on Demitri Zimmer, age 24, of Laconia, New Hampshire. The Office of the Chief Medical
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 23 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on April 22, 2026:
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Additional Information Regarding an Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Ashland, New Hampshire on April 20, 2026
Attorney General John M. Formella announces additional information concerning an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday, April 20, 2026, on Main Street in Ashland, New Hampshire, during a police motor vehicle stop.
An autopsy has been conducted on Demitri Zimmer, age 24, of Laconia, New Hampshire. The Office of the Chief MedicalExaminer determined that Mr. Zimmer's cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and that the manner of his death was homicide. As used by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, homicide is defined as the killing of one person by another.
The investigation into the officer-involved use of deadly force on Mr. Zimmer is ongoing, and the identity of the officers who used deadly force will be disclosed once formal interviews of all involved in the incident are completed in the coming weeks. Further information will be provided at that time.
The Ashland Police Department officer who was struck and wounded by one of Mr. Zimmer's gunshots was released from the hospital Tuesday.
The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/additional-information-regarding-officer-involved-shooting-investigation-ashland-new
Md. A.G. Brown Secures $562,000 Settlement for Investors Defrauded in Fake Affordable Housing Scheme
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 22 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 21, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures $562,000 Settlement for Investors Defrauded in Fake Affordable Housing Scheme
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that his Securities Division has reached a settlement with Otis H. Jackson of Davidson, Maryland, and his two companies, Social Solutions, LLC (Social Solutions) and SITO Capital, LLC (SITO Capital). This settlement is in connection with the unregistered offer and sale of securities by Jackson between 2019
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 22 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 21, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures $562,000 Settlement for Investors Defrauded in Fake Affordable Housing Scheme
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that his Securities Division has reached a settlement with Otis H. Jackson of Davidson, Maryland, and his two companies, Social Solutions, LLC (Social Solutions) and SITO Capital, LLC (SITO Capital). This settlement is in connection with the unregistered offer and sale of securities by Jackson between 2019and 2024. The settlement requires Jackson to pay $562,000 in restitution to 17 investors who purchased securities, in the form of promissory notes, from Jackson.
"Marylanders deserve to invest with confidence, free from fraud and deception," said Attorney General Brown. "My Office will continue to pursue unregistered securities schemes and ensure that those harmed receive the restitution they are owed.
According to the facts in the Consent Order, to which Jackson neither admitted nor denied, Jackson solicited investors through his two companies, Social Solutions and SITO Capital, for what he called a "Social and Economic Development Program." The program claimed to focus on developing affordable housing in the Park Heights neighborhood of Baltimore City, Maryland. In promotional materials, Jackson claimed to have relationships with non-profit organizations, private equity lenders, and local government to implement this program, which investors would help fund. Jackson executed promissory notes with investors that guaranteed a return of their principal and high rates of return. The notes described the use of investor funds for business purposes ranging from renovation of a specific property to more general uses such as "administrative purposes" or for the "acquisition and renovation of houses."
Jackson deposited investor funds into accounts for Social Solutions and SITO Capital. Instead of using those funds for the program he described, he used the funds for personal expenses, including mortgage payments for his own home, dining out, transportation and large cash transfers to his personal accounts.
While Jackson occasionally used new investor funds to repay previous investors, by and large, investors did not receive any return on investment or repayment of their principal. Jackson did not disclose any risks to investors, including the risk of losing their investment funds, and only emphasized the profits they would be making. Jackson also did not disclose that many of the properties he claimed to own were in fact subject to significant tax and mortgage debt and, in at least one instance, a property had been sold at auction after Jackson failed to pay taxes on it.
Under the Consent Order, Jackson, Social Solutions, and SITO Capital have been barred from the securities and investment advisory business in the State of Maryland and have been ordered to pay $562,000 in a civil penalty for violations of the Maryland Securities Act, which will be distributed as restitution to investors.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-2,000-Settlement-for-Investors-Defrauded-in-Fake-Affordable-Housing-Scheme--.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Opposes Federal Effort to Strip Housing Support for Mixed-Status Immigrant Households
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 22 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 21, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes Federal Effort to Strip Housing Support for Mixed-Status Immigrant Households
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that would prohibit mixed-status families - families composed of at least one eligible individual and one or more individuals who are ineligible due to their
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 22 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 21, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes Federal Effort to Strip Housing Support for Mixed-Status Immigrant Households
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that would prohibit mixed-status families - families composed of at least one eligible individual and one or more individuals who are ineligible due to theirimmigration status - from living in public housing and from receiving other federal housing, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and project-based rental assistance. Attorney General Brown and the coalition urge withdrawal of the proposal because it jeopardizes Maryland families' access to basic housing, increases burdens on state agencies, and undermines state laws and programs.
Currently, HUD allows mixed-eligibility families to live together in subsidized housing with a decrease in the housing subsidy to exclude ineligible individuals from the assistance. In a major shift, under the proposed rule, entire households would face eviction from subsidized housing if just one member of the household is found ineligible for aid because of their immigration status. Among other things, the proposed rule would:
* Strain State resources by requiring individuals eligible for federal housing assistance to newly verify eligibility and submit additional documentation which will reduce access to subsidized housing to mixed-status families.
* Impose new obligations that will discourage participation in HUD programs, such as requiring public housing authorities and private landlords to notify applicants and tenants that they must inform the Department of Homeland Security immediately whenever they determine that any member of a household is present in the U.S. in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
* Evict families from subsidized housing even when some members, including U.S. citizens, are fully eligible, while also disproportionately burdening elderly citizens, people of color, individuals with disabilities and low-income residents who may struggle to meet documentation requirements. Thousands of Marylanders, including citizen children, are at risk of housing instability and homelessness.
* Exacerbate the housing crisis and, by HUD's own analysis, lead to a reduction in the quantity and quality of assisted housing.
* Violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and the Paperwork Reduction Act.
In filing the comment letter, Attorney General Brown joined the attorneys general of California, New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Opposes-Federal-Effort-to-Strip-Housing-Support-for-Mixed-Status-Immigrant-Households.aspx
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill Joins Missouri in Coalition to Defend Executive Order on Election Integrity
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, April 22 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill Joins Missouri in Coalition to Defend Executive Order on Election Integrity
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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joined Missouri and 10 other states in a motion to intervene to defend a presidential executive order that would allow access to resources that would verify voter-registration lists against lawfare from left-wing activists.
On March 31, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order No. 14399, entitled "Ensuring Citizenship Verification
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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, April 22 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill Joins Missouri in Coalition to Defend Executive Order on Election Integrity
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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joined Missouri and 10 other states in a motion to intervene to defend a presidential executive order that would allow access to resources that would verify voter-registration lists against lawfare from left-wing activists.
On March 31, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order No. 14399, entitled "Ensuring Citizenship Verificationand Integrity in Federal Elections," to assist the states in guarding their elections. Left-leaning activists and progressive states immediately challenged the order, claiming it represents a federal intrusion on state authority over elections. These nonsensical claims attempt to derail an opportunity for states like Missouri to work alongside the federal government on election integrity and to ensure voter rolls are accurate, secure, and up to date.
"Louisiana will not stand by while activist lawsuits attempt to block President Trump's common-sense election integrity measures. These efforts weaken safeguards and undermine confidence in our elections. Proud to join my fellow attorneys general in working to defend free and fair elections," said Attorney General Murrill.
The Executive Order aims to enhance election security through two main initiatives. It mandates federal agencies to compile a "State Citizenship List" for state election officials, listing potential voters who are confirmed U.S. citizens, over 18, and residents of the state. Missouri and other states are advocating for access to this list to ensure voter-registration records are accurate.
Additionally, the order instructs the U.S. Postal Service to develop rules for mail-in and absentee ballots, improving their security and reliability. This includes using tracking barcodes on "Official Election Mail," allowing states to provide lists of eligible absentee voters, and prohibiting the transmission of ballots from unidentified individuals.
Missouri and the other states are fighting for access to these resources and to work alongside the federal government in guarding the integrity of American elections. The Motion to Intervene was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
In addition to Louisiana, Attorneys General from the following states joined the Missouri-led filing: Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas. The full Motion to Intervene can be read here.
Read the memorandum supporting the motion for intervention filed in D.C. District Court here.
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Original text here: https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/497
Attorney General Schwalb Launches New Hotline for DC Residents to Report Environmental Violations
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Schwalb Launches New Hotline for DC Residents to Report Environmental Violations
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Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced today that he is encouraging District residents to report possible environmental violations directly to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) so that the office can investigate whether to take legal action against polluters and others who endanger DC residents and our natural resources. Residents can share tips about violations
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WASHINGTON, April 22 -- District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Schwalb Launches New Hotline for DC Residents to Report Environmental Violations
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Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced today that he is encouraging District residents to report possible environmental violations directly to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) so that the office can investigate whether to take legal action against polluters and others who endanger DC residents and our natural resources. Residents can share tips about violationsof DC environmental laws-like illegal dumping, idling commercial vehicles, or unsafe use of pesticides-with OAG by email at environmental.justice@dc.gov or by phone at (202) 442-9828.
"Every District resident deserves clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment, and my office will use every legal tool at our disposal to protect DC's natural resources," said Attorney General Schwalb. "If you notice piles of trash, idling buses or trucks, or other types of illegal pollution, I encourage you to reach out to our office using our new environmental protection hotline."
OAG's Environmental Protection Track Record & Enforcement Authority
OAG has a proven track record of protecting District residents from environmental harms and is committed to holding polluters accountable and standing up for communities impacted by environmental contamination. OAG's Housing and Environmental Justice Section investigates violations of local and federal environmental laws, and files lawsuits that seek to hold polluters responsible for the harm they caused, including by getting them to pay clean-up costs and make changes that benefit DC communities.
Over the past 10 years, OAG has secured over $120 million through both large and small environmental enforcement actions, including a $57 million recovery from Pepco for contaminating the Anacostia River for decades. OAG has also taken action against bus companies for routinely idling engines in violation of DC air pollution laws; sued pest control companies for improperly applying dangerous chemicals outside of apartment buildings; and filed suit against paving and auto repair companies for allowing water contaminated with used oil and other pollutants to flow from their properties into DC waterways.
Examples of the environmental laws OAG enforces include:
* Illegal Dumping Enforcement Act : This law makes it illegal for people to dump trash or hazardous waste on public or private property in the District.
* DC Air Pollution Control Act: This law bans commercial gas and diesel-powered vehicles from illegally idling their engines for more than three minutes. OAG has taken action against multiple vehicle operators, such as tour bus companies, to protect District residents from harmful vehicle exhaust.
* Pesticide Operations Act: This law stops companies and individuals from illegally applying toxic pesticides which can harm human health and the environment.
Report Violations of Environmental Laws to OAG
DC residents can report environmental violations in the District directly to OAG:
* Send a tip via email to environmental.justice@dc.gov
* Call (202) 442-9828
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Original text here: https://oag.dc.gov/release/attorney-general-schwalb-launches-new-hotline-dc
Attorney General Hilgers Leads Letter to Top Credit Ratings Agencies Raising Concerns Over ESG Policies
LINCOLN, Nebraska, April 22 -- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Hilgers Leads Letter to Top Credit Ratings Agencies Raising Concerns Over ESG Policies
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Lincoln, NE - Attorney General Mike Hilgers today co-led a coalition of 23 States in questioning the lawfulness of the environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") policies of three top credit rating agencies. The agencies-Fitch Ratings, Moody's, and S&P Global Ratings-have pledged to systematically incorporate ESG considerations into credit ratings. In considering highly speculative
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LINCOLN, Nebraska, April 22 -- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Hilgers Leads Letter to Top Credit Ratings Agencies Raising Concerns Over ESG Policies
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Lincoln, NE - Attorney General Mike Hilgers today co-led a coalition of 23 States in questioning the lawfulness of the environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") policies of three top credit rating agencies. The agencies-Fitch Ratings, Moody's, and S&P Global Ratings-have pledged to systematically incorporate ESG considerations into credit ratings. In considering highly speculativeESG predictions and goals, the agencies have downgraded the credit ratings of fossil-fuel companies, and their policies threaten to undermine the States' bond ratings as well.
"Today's letter is our latest effort to push back against those who are unelected but want to force their unpopular policies on the public," said Attorney General Hilgers. "Credit worthiness should be based on market forces and sound accounting, not the political projects and unfeasible ideas of a few powerful people that are not accountable to voters."
The letter raises a number of concerns with the ratings agencies' policies and practices. Among them, the letter notes that while the ratings agencies' methodology pushes companies to prioritize ESG factors, they are also artificially increasing demand for their suite of ESG-related consulting services. This, the States argue, is likely an undisclosed and unlawful material conflict of interest. The letter also questions whether the ratings agencies' ESG policies constitute an antitrust violation or otherwise violate the States' laws that ban unfair and deceptive trade practices.
Joining Attorney General Hilgers in co-leading today's letter are the attorneys general of Alaska, Florida, and Texas. The letter was also joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
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Original text here: https://ago.nebraska.gov/attorney-general-hilgers-leads-letter-top-credit-ratings-agencies-raising-concerns-over-esg
