Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
Featured Stories
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson fights to protect parental rights from woke gender ideology
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Feb. 23 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
* * *
Attorney General Alan Wilson fights to protect parental rights from woke gender ideology
*
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a multi-state amicus brief to protect parental rights from woke gender ideology.
"Parents are not required to surrender to radical gender ideology," Attorney General Wilson stated. "Children who flee to a different state should be returned to their parents safely, not given life-altering gender transition treatments."
The amicus brief
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Feb. 23 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
* * *
Attorney General Alan Wilson fights to protect parental rights from woke gender ideology
*
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a multi-state amicus brief to protect parental rights from woke gender ideology.
"Parents are not required to surrender to radical gender ideology," Attorney General Wilson stated. "Children who flee to a different state should be returned to their parents safely, not given life-altering gender transition treatments."
The amicus briefsupports a challenge to a Washington state law that allows runaway children to receive intervention without parental knowledge or consent. According to the law, children's shelters do not have to notify parents of the child's presence at the shelter. And if the parents are notified, there is no requirement to gain their consent for treatment, which includes "gender-affirming care."
"As a parent, my children's safety has been a main priority since they were born," Attorney General Wilson said. "South Carolina's families deserve to have their rights respected by every state; especially when their child could be in danger."
Attorney General Wilson also joined a letter from 24 states to the Department of Health and Human Services supporting two proposed rules regarding sex-change procedures.
The two proposed rules would restrict federal funding of sex-change operations performed on children.
"The radical leftist regime wants to use our children as lab experiments," Attorney General Wilson stated. "We will not stand by while children are subjected to irreversible harm. And we certainly stand against any use of public money to do so."
Attorney General Alan Wilson joined the amicus brief along with Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Attorney General Wilson joined the multi-state letter with Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
***
Original text here: https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/attorney-general-alan-wilson-fights-to-protect-parental-rights-from-woke-gender-ideology/
Attorney General Paxton Secures Injunction Against Electric Company that Caused the Devastating Smokehouse Creek Fire
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 23 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Paxton Secures Injunction Against Electric Company that Caused the Devastating Smokehouse Creek Fire
*
Attorney General Ken Paxton has negotiated an agreed temporary injunction against Southwestern Public Service Company, which does business in Texas as Xcel Energy ("Xcel"), to require the utility company to take immediate action to protect Texans from potential wildfire risks. Under the terms of the injunction, Xcel is required to immediately replace damaged and dilapidated
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 23 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Paxton Secures Injunction Against Electric Company that Caused the Devastating Smokehouse Creek Fire
*
Attorney General Ken Paxton has negotiated an agreed temporary injunction against Southwestern Public Service Company, which does business in Texas as Xcel Energy ("Xcel"), to require the utility company to take immediate action to protect Texans from potential wildfire risks. Under the terms of the injunction, Xcel is required to immediately replace damaged and dilapidatedutility poles and conduct rigorous and thorough large-scale inspections and to replace utility poles that pose an unreasonable risk of causing additional wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The injunction will be effective immediately, helping ensure Xcel will be as aggressive as possible in addressing any at-risk poles in the Texas Panhandle.
"This injunction requiring Xcel to inspect and replace its dilapidated and damaged utility poles is critical for protecting the safety and livelihood of Texans," said Attorney General Paxton. "This win is the first part of holding Xcel accountable and ensuring preventative measures are being taken as the case continues to move forward. Xcel has made the right decision in working with my office and ultimately agreeing to take these critical first steps. The Smokehouse Creek Fire caused devastation throughout the Texas Panhandle, and I will continue to fight to ensure that justice is served and that wildfires will no longer be sparked by the negligence of a utility provider."
In 2024, the Smokehouse Creek Fire ravaged the Texas Panhandle, burning more than 1 million acres. The historic blaze killed three Texans, caused significant damage to the ranching industry, and destroyed pristine natural resources. As admitted by Xcel, the fire started when an aging and rotting utility pole broke, causing live electrical wires to fall on top of the vegetation below.
Attorney General Paxton sued Xcel in December to recover economic damages suffered by the State, including property damage and the lost value of wildlife and habitat, and civil penalties for violations of Texas law. As part of the lawsuit, the State also sought an injunction to require Xcel to take corrective actions to mitigate the risk of wildfires from the company's equipment.
The injunction requires Xcel to replace poles that have been designated through inspections to be at imminent risk of breaking and are located in areas of Texas with elevated wildfire risk. It also requires Xcel to continue to inspect and replace high risk poles in an expedited timeline. Under these terms, Xcel will be required to replace the most critically damaged poles in as little as one day after inspection. The injunction further commits Xcel to inspect 35,000 poles per year in its Texas service area. The inspections will be under the terms of a quality assurance plan that will ensure the inspections are properly performed and that the inspectors will be held accountable for the quality of their work. These terms constitute only an initial agreement between the State of Texas and Xcel-Attorney General Paxton's lawsuit against Xcel will continue to ensure Texas is adequately compensated for the damages incurred during the Smokehouse Creek Fire and that lasting injunctive relief is secured to ensure Xcel conducts its business in a manner that will keep Texans safe.
To read the temporary injunction, click here.
***
Original text here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-secures-injunction-against-electric-company-caused-devastating-smokehouse
Attorney General Bonta Unveils Hate Crime Guidance and Know Your Rights Documents in Somali
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 23 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Bonta Unveils Hate Crime Guidance and Know Your Rights Documents in Somali
*
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that hate crime guidance and resources are now available in Somali ( Know Your Rights and Protections Under Hate Crimes Laws, How to Report Hate Crimes and Incidents and Get Help ). Earlier this month, in response to reports of childcare providers in California facing targeted harassment, surveillance, and stalking by internet
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 23 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Bonta Unveils Hate Crime Guidance and Know Your Rights Documents in Somali
*
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that hate crime guidance and resources are now available in Somali ( Know Your Rights and Protections Under Hate Crimes Laws, How to Report Hate Crimes and Incidents and Get Help ). Earlier this month, in response to reports of childcare providers in California facing targeted harassment, surveillance, and stalking by internetvigilantes alleging fraudulent activity, Attorney General Bonta reminded Californians of existing guidance and resources for law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims of hate crimes. According to reports, these actions have involved uninvited home visits and filming. The United Domestic Workers union reported a spike in harassment at Somali-run daycare centers in San Diego.
"Reports that internet vigilantes are harassing San Diegan childcare providers at their homes and workplaces are extremely alarming. California has laws that prohibit this type of harassment," said Attorney General Bonta. "Last week, I denounced these deplorable acts, and today, I am happy to announce that hate crime resources are now available in the Somali language. I encourage all Californians and law enforcement agencies to know their rights and familiarize themselves with laws that protect individuals."
In California, it is considered a hate crime if you are targeted because of your actual or perceived nationality, including your immigration or citizenship status. If you witness or are the victim of a hate crime, you should report it to your local law enforcement agency. California law prohibits law enforcement authorities from asking individuals, including those who are reporting or victims of potential crimes, about their immigration status, unless the information is necessary to certify the victim for a U visa (victim of crime visa) or T visa (victim of human trafficking visa).
Resources for the Reporting of and Response to Hate Crimes
Crimes motivated by hate are not just attacks on individual innocent people -they are attacks on our communities and the entire State. It is the job of the California Department of Justice to see that the laws of the State are uniformly and adequately enforced.
For law enforcement and prosecutors:
* Law Enforcement Bulletin on Laws Prohibiting Hate Crimes and/or Providing for Enhanced Penalties for Specific Hate Crimes
* Hate Crimes Rapid Response Protocol for the Deployment of CADOJ Resources
* Guidance to Prosecutors on Hate Crimes
For victims of hate crimes:
* Know Your Rights and Protections Under Hate Crimes Laws (now available in Somali )
* How to Report Hate Crimes and Incidents and Get Help. This brochure is available in: Spanish, Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, and Vietnamese
More information on hate crimes is available at oag.ca.gov/hatecrimes.
***
Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-unveils-hate-crime-guidance-and-know-your-rights
Attorney General Bonta Celebrates U.S. Supreme Court's Denial of Huntington Beach's Challenge to State Housing Laws
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 23 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Bonta Celebrates U.S. Supreme Court's Denial of Huntington Beach's Challenge to State Housing Laws
*
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statements after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the City of Huntington Beach's federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of certain California housing laws. The Supreme Court's denial of Huntington Beach's petition for a writ of certiorari leaves in
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 23 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Bonta Celebrates U.S. Supreme Court's Denial of Huntington Beach's Challenge to State Housing Laws
*
OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statements after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the City of Huntington Beach's federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of certain California housing laws. The Supreme Court's denial of Huntington Beach's petition for a writ of certiorari leaves inplace a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that affirmed the dismissal of the City's lawsuit.
"Huntington Beach took its fight to the highest court in the country -and lost. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court officially declined to step in, leaving no doubt that the City must comply with our state housing laws," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "After years of meritless resistance that has wasted taxpayer dollars, Huntington Beach can no longer claim that the U.S. Constitution is on its side. It is not. We look forward to holding the City fully accountable in state court, where we recently secured a decision that requires it to remedy its violations and significantly restricts the City's local control until it does so."
"City officials can't use the First Amendment as an excuse to violate state housing law," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "The Huntington Beach officials who wasted taxpayer dollars on this embarrassing approach rather than doing their jobs ought to be ashamed of themselves. Huntington Beach deserves better. What a waste of taxpayers' dollars that could have gone to much-needed housing for their community."
On March 9, 2023, Attorney General Bonta, Governor Newsom, and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velasquez filed a lawsuit in state court against Huntington Beach for failing to timely adopt a compliant housing element. On December 19, 2025, the State secured a decision from the San Diego Superior Court requiring the City of Huntington Beach to, among other things, adopt a housing element within 120 days and restricting the City's land use authority, effective immediately, until that requirement is satisfied.
In response to the State's lawsuit, the City of Huntington Beach filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of certain California housing laws. The City's lawsuit was dismissed by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit unanimously affirmed the district court's dismissal, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit then denied the City's petition for rehearing en banc. The City asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the aforementioned rulings, and that request was denied today.
***
Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-celebrates-us-supreme-court%E2%80%99s-denial-huntington-beach%E2%80%99s
AG Sunday: OAG Drug Agents had Record Month for Seized Firearms in Southwestern Pa., Increasing Dangers Posed to Law Enforcement
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Feb. 23 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
* * *
AG Sunday: OAG Drug Agents had Record Month for Seized Firearms in Southwestern Pa., Increasing Dangers Posed to Law Enforcement
*
NORTH HUNTINGDON -Attorney General Dave Sunday joined law enforcement partners to announce an increase in firearms seizures in January by Office of Attorney General narcotics agents in southwestern Pennsylvania, illustrating the increased risks posed to police by drug traffickers.
The Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation,
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Feb. 23 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
* * *
AG Sunday: OAG Drug Agents had Record Month for Seized Firearms in Southwestern Pa., Increasing Dangers Posed to Law Enforcement
*
NORTH HUNTINGDON -Attorney General Dave Sunday joined law enforcement partners to announce an increase in firearms seizures in January by Office of Attorney General narcotics agents in southwestern Pennsylvania, illustrating the increased risks posed to police by drug traffickers.
The Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation,assisted by federal, state, and local partners, seized 41 firearms in Pennsylvania's Region 5 last month during the course of drug trafficking investigations. Agents believe that to be a single-month high in Region 5, which includes Allegheny, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties.
In those investigations, agents also seized more than 12 pounds of cocaine, a pound of crack cocaine, and more than 63,000 doses of fentanyl, along with quantities of heroin and marijuana.
Nine people have been arrested, so far, in connection to about 20 cases involving illegally-possessed firearms.
"These numbers are rewarding as they show the progress our team, along with partners at all levels, are making in efforts to remove firearms from the hands of drug traffickers," Attorney General Sunday said. "They also serve as indicators of the firepower our brave officers encounter when they enter a home with a warrant, or make a traffic stop, in efforts to keep communities safe. To traffickers, we say: we are not deterred."
The total number of firearms seized in the region for the year has climbed to 48.
Most of the firearms recoveries happened outside of Pittsburgh; the two biggest seizures happened in Fayette and Somerset counties, where ongoing investigations remain regarding those guns.
Attorney General Sunday was joined at a press event Monday by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele, Somerset County District Attorney Tom Leiden, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli, and numerous municipal police departments.
***
Original text here: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-sunday-oag-drug-agents-had-record-month-for-seized-firearms-in-southwestern-pa-increasing-dangers-posed-to-law-enforcement/
AG Nessel Supports Lawsuit Challenging IRS Rule That Threatens Wind and Solar Projects and Could Drive Up Energy Bills
LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 23 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
* * *
AG Nessel Supports Lawsuit Challenging IRS Rule That Threatens Wind and Solar Projects and Could Drive Up Energy Bills
*
LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and a coalition of 13 other attorneys general supported a lawsuit challenging a new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule (PDF) that makes it harder for wind and solar energy projects to qualify for long-standing federal tax credits. The states argue the change will undermine investments in clean energy, slow economic growth,
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Feb. 23 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
* * *
AG Nessel Supports Lawsuit Challenging IRS Rule That Threatens Wind and Solar Projects and Could Drive Up Energy Bills
*
LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and a coalition of 13 other attorneys general supported a lawsuit challenging a new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule (PDF) that makes it harder for wind and solar energy projects to qualify for long-standing federal tax credits. The states argue the change will undermine investments in clean energy, slow economic growth,and increase costs for families and businesses.
"At a time when everyday costs keep going up, the IRS and Trump administration should be doing everything they can to support clean, affordable energy that lowers expenses," said Attorney General Nessel. "Instead, this new rule would drive up utility bills without even offering a clear justification for abandoning long-standing policy. I stand with my colleagues in urging the Court to reverse this rule to shield families from higher energy costs while protecting our environment."
For years, energy developers could qualify for these tax credits by either starting significant physical construction or by investing at least five percent of a project's total cost. The new IRS rule removes that five-percent option for most wind projects and larger solar facilities - while leaving other energy industries untouched.
The states argue the rule is unlawful, arbitrary, and harmful to consumers. At a time when electricity demand is rising rapidly due to data centers, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and population growth, limiting new energy projects risks tightening supply. When supply tightens while demand increases, prices go up - and families and businesses pay the price through higher utility bills.
Federal clean energy tax credits were created to encourage investment in new electricity generation and help lower long-term costs for consumers. Prior federal estimates projected that these credits would:
* Bring hundreds of gigawatts of new electricity generation online
* Reduce electric costs for consumers by billions of dollars annually
* Cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
The states argue the agency failed to provide adequate justification for the change and did not properly consider the impact on state energy planning, consumer costs, and projects already underway.
The states are asking the Court to strike down the rule and restore the previous standards that had been in place for more than a decade. The federal clean energy tax credits are set to expire on July 4, 2026.
About the Lawsuit
The underlying lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by a coalition of clean energy and consumer groups, including the Oregon Environmental Council, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), Public Citizen, Hopi Utilities Corporation, Woven Energy, the City and County of San Francisco, and the Maryland Office of People's Counsel.
Joining Attorney General Nessel in the amicus brief filed are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
***
Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/02/23/ag-nessel-supports-lawsuit-challenging-irs-rule
AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrests registered sex offender from West Monroe for using social media
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Feb. 23 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
* * *
AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrests registered sex offender from West Monroe for using social media
*
Agents with Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a registered sex offender for using social media.
71-year-old Charles Ray Crawford, was arrested on Bailey Street in West Monroe on February 20, for violating:
* LA R.S. 14.91.5 - Unlawful Use of a Social Networking Website
An individual called in a National Center for Missing
... Show Full Article
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Feb. 23 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
* * *
AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrests registered sex offender from West Monroe for using social media
*
Agents with Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a registered sex offender for using social media.
71-year-old Charles Ray Crawford, was arrested on Bailey Street in West Monroe on February 20, for violating:
* LA R.S. 14.91.5 - Unlawful Use of a Social Networking Website
An individual called in a National Center for Missingand Exploited Children tip after learning about the LADOJ's Operation Access Denied.
This arrest was the result of a joint investigation with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office.
Crawford's bond is unknown at this time.
The investigation continues.
***
Original text here: https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/432
