Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
Featured Stories
N.J. A.G. Platkin and Division on Civil Rights Announce Settlement With Hoboken That Will Expand Access to Affordable Housing
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 15, 2025:
* * *
AG Platkin and Division on Civil Rights Announce Settlement with Hoboken That Will Expand Access to Affordable Housing
Hoboken Commits to Policy Reforms to Promote Affordable Housing Opportunities Following DCR Investigation
*
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) today announced that DCR and the City of Hoboken have agreed to a settlement resolving a complaint alleging that a residency preference in Hoboken's affordable
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 15, 2025:
* * *
AG Platkin and Division on Civil Rights Announce Settlement with Hoboken That Will Expand Access to Affordable Housing
Hoboken Commits to Policy Reforms to Promote Affordable Housing Opportunities Following DCR Investigation
*
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) today announced that DCR and the City of Hoboken have agreed to a settlement resolving a complaint alleging that a residency preference in Hoboken's affordablehousing program discriminated based on race in violation of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD).
The settlement announced today resolves a DCR investigation regarding Hoboken's Municipal Ordinance Amendment B-175, which was enacted in 2019 and grants current Hoboken residents preferential access to affordable housing. The Ordinance replaced a prior policy that gave affordable housing preference to residents of a broader four-county region (Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, and Sussex counties). DCR opened its investigation after a Black Jersey City resident filed a complaint with DCR alleging that she was not permitted to apply for an affordable housing unit in Hoboken despite having been on the waitlist for five years. Among other things, the complainant alleged that Hoboken discriminated based on race.
Hoboken has agreed to amend its Ordinance to no longer have a Hoboken-only residency requirement. As part of the settlement announced today, Hoboken will also provide relief to individuals who were previously denied or skipped over on the waitlist, and Hoboken has agreed to allocate an additional $30,000 for affordability assistance and other fair housing projects.
"Housing discrimination continues to deny too many New Jerseyans the opportunity to access safe, affordable housing. That's why I have made combating housing discrimination a priority since day one," said Attorney General Platkin. "The agreement announced today will make it easier for eligible low-income people to access affordable housing in a part of our state where rents are skyrocketing and affordable housing opportunities are at a premium. This settlement underscores our ongoing commitment to ensuring that affordable housing is available - free from discrimination - to those who need it."
"Discrimination has no place in affordable housing policy. Ensuring equitable access to affordable housing is fundamental and a critical component of building inclusive communities," said Yolanda N. Melville, DCR Director. "This settlement is a significant step forward in our mission to promote equal access to housing for all New Jersey residents. We are committed to continuing our work across the state to foster environments where everyone has the opportunity to live in safe, affordable homes, without facing any form of discrimination. We thank Hoboken for working with DCR to resolve this matter."
In response to a complaint filed with DCR, DCR investigated whether Hoboken's residency preference may have an unlawful disparate impact in violation of the LAD, which prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, and other protected characteristics. The LAD prohibits not only conduct that expressly treats people differently based on a protected class but also policies that have an unlawful disparate impact on members of a protected class. This latter form of discrimination is known as disparate impact discrimination. Under the LAD, policies or practices that are neutral on their face - for example, policies or practices that, like the residency preference at issue here, do not single out a protected class for differential treatment - may nonetheless violate the LAD if they have a disproportionate negative effect on members of a protected class.
DCR's investigation raised concerns that Hoboken's residency preference may have a disparate impact based on race because the policy has the effect of excluding residents of surrounding towns that are more racially diverse than Hoboken.
Under the settlement announced today, Hoboken has agreed to amend its Ordinance to eliminate the city-only residency preference, reverting instead to a preference for individuals and families within the COAH Region 1 counties (Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, and Sussex). Going forward, the city will apply this regional preference for any newly constructed units that help Hoboken satisfy its 2025 to 2035 affordable housing obligations in compliance with the Mount Laurel doctrine and affordable housing legislation.
The agreement announced today also commits Hoboken to taking the following steps to resolve this matter:
* Applicants previously denied or skipped on the waitlist because of Hoboken's residency preference will have their prior waitlist position reinstated;
* Those removed from the waitlist for failing to complete annual recertifications may also seek reinstatement to the waitlist if they originally applied for affordable housing before this amendment to the Ordinance;
* Applicants who were previously skipped or removed will be screened for an opportunity to apply to an affordable housing unit, if otherwise eligible;
* Hoboken will allocate at least $30,000 to additional affordability assistance and other projects or training associated with fair housing; and
* All staff whose work relates to affordable housing administration will be required to complete training on housing discrimination laws.
The Agreement ensures that affordable housing in Hoboken will be made available to a larger and more diverse pool of applicants.
DCR is represented in this matter by Division of Law Civil Rights Section Chief Nancy Trasande and Deputy Attorneys General Douglas Praschak, Mia Dohrmann, and Geoffrey McGee, under the supervision of Assistant Attorney General Mayur Saxena and Deputy Director Sara M. Gregory of the Division of Law's Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group. DCR's investigation was conducted by Deputy Associate Director Iris Bromberg and Investigator Charles Washington, under the direction of Acting Deputy Director James Michael and Associate Director Malcolm Peyton-Cook.
* * *
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights enforces the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and the Fair Chance in Housing Act, and works to prevent, eliminate, and remedy discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation throughout New Jersey.
To find out more information or to file a complaint, go to www.njcivilrights.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-and-division-on-civil-rights-announce-settlement-with-hoboken-that-will-expand-access-to-affordable-housing/
N.J. A.G. Platkin Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration for Illegally Taking Away Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
AG Platkin Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration for Illegally Taking Away Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Bipartisan Majorities in Congress Approved the Now-Halted Funding
*
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today joined a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for unlawfully suspending two bipartisan grant programs for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure that would reduce
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
AG Platkin Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration for Illegally Taking Away Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Bipartisan Majorities in Congress Approved the Now-Halted Funding
*
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today joined a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for unlawfully suspending two bipartisan grant programs for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure that would reducepollution, expand access to clean vehicles, and create thousands of green jobs.
Without any explanation or notice, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has quietly refused to approve any new funding under two EV charging infrastructure programs created in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA): the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program (CFI) and the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator (Accelerator) Program. In the lawsuit, New Jersey and the coalition allege that these unexplained actions violate the constitutional separation of powers, as the funding was approved by bipartisan majorities in Congress.
"Once again, the Trump Administration is clawing away money from our state and hurting our residents. Expanding our state's network of electric vehicle chargers is a no-brainer, as it would create jobs, support economic growth, and reduce air pollution. Instead of supporting these commonsense investments, however, the Trump Administration is illegally suspending federal funding Congress has mandated," said Attorney General Platkin. "Along with my fellow attorneys general, I look forward to restoring this funding so our states can keep building and repairing vital electric vehicle infrastructure for the benefit of our residents."
In 2022, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, the CFI and Accelerator programs are five-year programs created by IIJA for building or repairing EV chargers. USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration, however, have refused all new obligations of funds under both programs since the spring of 2025.
In 2024, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection was awarded $10 million in CFI funding for the construction of electric vehicle charging infrastructure near multi-unit residences and transit stops across the State. The New Jersey Department of Transportation was also awarded nearly $6 million in Accelerator funding to further modernize the State's electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Through its deliberate inaction, however, the Trump Administration has failed to follow through on these promises, harming New Jersey commuters, the state's economy, and the environment.
The complaint filed today alleges that the Trump Administration's refusal to spend the funds that Congress appropriated for EV infrastructure is unlawful because it violates the separation of powers and the Administrative Procedure Act. The programs were created by statute, and federal agencies have a duty to faithfully execute those statutes. The complaint asks the court to declare that the defendants' actions are unlawful and to permanently stop the administration from withholding these funds.
Attorney General Platkin joins the attorneys general of California, Colorado, and Washington, which led the filing, as well as Arizona, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
View Complaint (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-1216_Complaint.pdf)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-files-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-for-illegally-taking-away-funding-for-electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure/
N.J. A.G. Platkin Announces Settlement Requiring Key Anti-Theft Upgrades on Hyundai, Kia Vehicles
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
AG Platkin Announces Settlement Requiring Key Anti-Theft Upgrades on Hyundai, Kia Vehicles
Bipartisan Multistate Coalition Secures Latest Anti-Theft Upgrade for Certain Models
*
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that New Jersey co-led a coalition of 35 other states in a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundai and Kia for their sale of millions of vehicles nationwide that lacked industry-standard, anti-theft technology.
Under the
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
AG Platkin Announces Settlement Requiring Key Anti-Theft Upgrades on Hyundai, Kia Vehicles
Bipartisan Multistate Coalition Secures Latest Anti-Theft Upgrade for Certain Models
*
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that New Jersey co-led a coalition of 35 other states in a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundai and Kia for their sale of millions of vehicles nationwide that lacked industry-standard, anti-theft technology.
Under thesettlement, Hyundai and Kia have agreed to:
* Equip all future vehicles sold in the United States with industry-standard, engine immobilizer anti-theft technology;
* Offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners or lessees of eligible vehicles, including vehicles that previously were only eligible for the companies' software updates, in order to prevent thieves from starting these cars without a key;
* Provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to eligible consumers whose cars are damaged by thieves; and
* Pay $4.5 million to the states to defray the costs of the investigation.
"For years, Hyundai and Kia deliberately failed to include industry-standard anti-theft technology in their vehicles, contributing to a nationwide spike in auto thefts. That ends now. Today's settlement is a key step in our ongoing efforts to prevent auto thefts--and to hold carmakers accountable for their shameful failure to take appropriate action to prevent auto thefts," said Attorney General Platkin. "The settlement announced today builds on the tireless work of law enforcement leaders across the state to combat auto theft and keep our communities safe--work that has resulted in dramatic reductions in auto thefts statewide."
Hyundai and Kia chose not to include anti-theft "engine immobilizer" technology in millions of their vehicles sold throughout the United States. An engine immobilizer prevents thieves from starting a vehicle's engine without the vehicle's "smart" key, which stores the vehicle's electronic security code. According to one report, in 2015, only 26% of the vehicles Kia and Hyundai sold in the United States were equipped with engine immobilizers, compared to 96% of the vehicles sold by other manufacturers.
Because many Hyundai and Kia vehicles did not have engine immobilizers, car thieves devised a quick and simple way to access these vehicles' ignition cylinder and start these cars without a key. This method quickly went viral in 2023, leading to a drastic increase in Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts throughout the nation. Not only did the number of thefts explode, but many of the vehicles were used in connection with crimes and were involved in many traffic collisions. In fact, in 2023, although Hyundais and Kias made up about 6.5% of the vehicles on New Jersey roads, they accounted for roughly 19% of all auto thefts that year.
In response to the surge in thefts, Attorney General Platkin issued public consumer warnings regarding theft vulnerabilities affecting certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles and released an explainer video to educate New Jersey residents about the risk of auto theft, theft trends, and steps vehicle owners could take to protect their vehicles.
Hyundai and Kia were slow to respond to the crisis, waiting until 2023 to launch a service campaign to update the software on most of the affected vehicles. Hyundai and Kia also offered to install a zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector, but only for the roughly 20% of their vehicles that were ineligible for this software update. While the companies claimed that the software update was effective at preventing the viral theft method, the states alleged that the software update could be, and in fact was, easily bypassed by thieves.
As a result of the settlement announced today, consumers with eligible vehicles can now have zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors, which prevent thieves from accessing the ignition assembly, installed on their vehicle free of charge.
Eligible consumers will be notified by the companies that they will have one year from the date of the notice to make an appointment to have the zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed at their local Hyundai or Kia authorized dealerships. Attorney General Platkin urges consumers to schedule the installation of the zinc-reinforce ignition cylinder protector as soon as possible.
In addition, consumers who previously installed the software update on their vehicles (or were scheduled to do so) but nonetheless experienced a theft or attempted theft of their vehicle on or after April 29, 2025, are eligible to file a claim for restitution for certain theft and attempted-theft related expenses. For more information about eligibility and how to submit a claim for compensation, please visit the following:
* For Hyundai - Visit HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com
* For Kia - Visit https://customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD or call (800) 333-4Kia(4542)
Connecticut, Minnesota, and New Hampshire led the multistate settlement, with New Jersey, California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, and Washington as co-leads. The final settlement was also joined by Arizona, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
View Settlement (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-1216_NJ-12.4-HK-Clean-Final-HK-Signed-New-Jersey-Agreement.pdf) | View Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9dkvPdIJE)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-platkin-announces-settlement-requiring-key-anti-theft-upgrades-on-hyundai-kia-vehicles/
Md. A.G. Brown Announces Multistate Settlement With Hyundai and Kia Over Their Sales of Vehicles Lacking Industry-standard, Anti-theft Technology
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Dec. 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Announces Multistate Settlement with Hyundai and Kia Over their Sales of Vehicles Lacking Industry-standard, Anti-theft Technology
As a result of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will offer free hardware fix for all affected vehicles that will thwart further thefts and protect public safety
*
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that his office, along with 34 other attorneys general, has reached a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundai
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Dec. 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Announces Multistate Settlement with Hyundai and Kia Over their Sales of Vehicles Lacking Industry-standard, Anti-theft Technology
As a result of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will offer free hardware fix for all affected vehicles that will thwart further thefts and protect public safety
*
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that his office, along with 34 other attorneys general, has reached a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundaiand Kia over their sale of millions of vehicles nationwide that lacked industry-standard, anti-theft technology. This failure resulted in an epidemic of car thefts and joy riding across the country that continues to threaten public safety.
Under the settlement, Hyundai and Kia have agreed to:
* Equip all future vehicles sold in the United States with industry-standard, engine immobilizer anti-theft technology;
* Offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners or lessees of eligible vehicles, including vehicles that previously were eligible only for the companies' software updates;
* Provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to eligible consumers whose cars are damaged by thieves; and
* Pay $4.5 million to the states to defray the costs of the investigation.
"Marylanders' cars were stolen because Hyundai and Kia failed to install industry-standard anti-theft technology," said Attorney General Brown. "This settlement should prevent these thefts from continuing and provides additional relief to consumers victimized by these companies' actions."
Hyundai and Kia chose not include anti-theft "engine-immobilizer" technology in millions of their vehicles sold throughout the United States, including in Maryland. An engine immobilizer prevents thieves from starting a vehicle's engine without the vehicle's "smart" key, which stores the vehicle's electronic security code. According to one report, in 2015, only 26% of the vehicles Kia and Hyundai sold in the United States were equipped with engine immobilizers, compared to 96% of the vehicles sold by other manufacturers. Car thieves devised a quick and simple way to access these vehicles' ignition cylinders and start these cars without a key, which quickly went viral, leading to a drastic, nationwide increase in Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts. Furthermore, many of the stolen vehicles were used in connection with other crimes and were involved in many traffic collisions, some fatal. These actions represent a public safety crisis that has caused substantial and serious harm to our communities.
The Attorneys General alleged that Hyundai and Kia were slow to respond to the crisis, waiting years to launch a service campaign to update the software on many affected vehicles. Hyundai and Kia also offered to install a zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector, but only for the roughly twenty percent of their vehicles that were ineligible for this software update. While the companies claimed that the software update blocked the viral theft method, the Attorneys General alleged that the software update could be, and in fact was, easily bypassed by thieves.
The Attorneys General pressed Hyundai and Kia to do more to protect consumers, and through this settlement, Attorney General Brown has ensured that all Maryland consumers with eligible vehicles can have zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors installed on their vehicle free of charge. Eligible consumers have one year from the date of notice from the companies to make an appointment to have the zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed at their local Hyundai or Kia authorized dealerships. Attorney General Brown urges consumers to schedule the installation of the zinc-reinforce ignition cylinder protector as soon as possible.
In addition, consumers who previously installed the software update on their vehicles (or were scheduled to do so) but nonetheless experienced a theft or attempted theft of their vehicle on or after April 29, 2025, are eligible to file a claim for restitution for certain theft and attempted-theft related expenses. For more information about eligibility and how to submit a claim for compensation from Hyundai or Kia, please visit the following: www.HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com
The Maryland Attorney General's Office was part of an Executive Committee that led the investigation of Hyundai and Kia. The Attorneys General joining Maryland in today's settlement are Arizona, California Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
* * *
Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-Multistate-Settlement-with-Hyundai-and-Kia-Over-their-Sales-of-Vehicles-Lacking-Industry-s.aspx
China Declares Missouri an Economic and Reputational Menace in New Legal Action
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 17 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
China Declares Missouri an Economic and Reputational Menace in New Legal Action
The People's Republic of China claim $50.5 billion in economic and reputational losses
*
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that China has filed a lawsuit to attack the State of Missouri as she moves towards seizing Chinese assets. Earlier this year, the Missouri Attorney General's Office secured a historic $24 billion judgment against the People's
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 17 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
China Declares Missouri an Economic and Reputational Menace in New Legal Action
The People's Republic of China claim $50.5 billion in economic and reputational losses
*
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that China has filed a lawsuit to attack the State of Missouri as she moves towards seizing Chinese assets. Earlier this year, the Missouri Attorney General's Office secured a historic $24 billion judgment against the People'sRepublic of China, the Chinese Communist Party, and related entities for unleashing and worsening the COVID-19 pandemic, and Attorney General Hanaway fully intends to collect.
"I find it extremely telling that the Chinese blame our great state for 'belittling the social evaluation' of The Wuhan Institute of Virology. This lawsuit is a stalling tactic and tells me that we have been on the right side of this issue all along," said Attorney General Hanaway. "We stand undeterred in our mission to collect on our $24 billion judgment that was lawfully handed down in federal court."
Last week, the Missouri Attorney General's Office received notice of suit, in the Intermediate People's Court of Wuhan, declaring Missouri to be an economic and reputational threat to the People's Republic of China. The suit is specified on behalf of The People's Government of Wuhan Municipality, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
China's suit names as defendants:
* The State of Missouri, represented by Governor Mike Kehoe
* U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt
* The Missouri Attorney General, including former Attorney General Andrew Bailey, now Co-Deputy Director of the FBI
The complaint argues the defendants' acts have had "negative effects on the soft power" of Wuhan and have "belittled the social evaluation" as well as adversely affected the "productivity and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements" of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and The Wuhan Institute of Virology.
China is demanding the defendants "issue public apologies on New York Times, CNN, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, YouTube and other American media or internet platforms, and People's Daily, Xinhuanet and other Chinese media or internet platforms..." The suit demands joint compensation totaling $356.4 billion Chinese Yuan, equivalent to $50.5 billion US Dollars, as well as any legal fees which occur and the right to claim further compensation.
The suit further specifies that Missouri's "vexatious litigation" has "defamed Plaintiffs' reputation, resulting in huge economic losses of the Plaintiffs, and deeply endangering sovereignty, security and development interests of China."
"I've been banned from Communist China, and now I am being sued and targeted by Communist China in a $50 Billion lawfare campaign, and I'll wear it like a badge of honor. China's sinister malfeasance during the COVID-19 pandemic led to over a million Americans losing their lives, economic turmoil that rocked our country for years, and an enormous amount of human suffering, and as Missouri Attorney General I filed suit to hold them accountable," said U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt. "Instead of trying to defend its indefensible behavior, Communist China responded with frivolous lawfare, attempting to absolve themselves of all wrongdoing in the early days of the pandemic. This novel lawsuit is factually baseless, legally meritless, and any fake judgment a Chinese court issues in this lawsuit we will easily beat back and keep from being enforced against the people of Missouri or me. This is their way of distracting from what the world already knows, China has blood on its hands. China lied about the origins of COVID virus, they tried to cover it up, and they upended the world by creating a global pandemic that resulted in immense human loss. The responsibility lies squarely at their feet. No amount of CCP choreographed lawfare will deter me from standing up for Missourians and the American people."
Timeline of Events
Missouri sued China in 2020 for causing and exacerbating the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for thwarting the production, purchasing, import, and export of medical equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE). The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri ruled that Missouri "established this claim of damages through evidence satisfactory to the court," proving that China caused and exacerbated the COVID-19 pandemic, harming Missourians through its actions and cover-up.
In March 2025, the Missouri Attorney General's Office secured the largest judgment in Missouri history and one of the largest ever issued against a foreign sovereign.
After the required waiting period, Attorney General Hanaway directed the judgment service packets submitted to the U.S. State Department for diplomatic provided service to China in November 2025.
To date, China has refused to appear in U.S. Court.
Next Steps in Attorney General's Suit
Once diplomatic service on the judgment-service packets is confirmed, Missouri will return to federal district court to obtain certification that all requirements have been met. That certification will allow Attorney General Hanaway to begin seizing Chinese-owned assets, including real property, financial interests, and other holdings tied to the defendants.
The lawsuit's diplomatic service packet received from China can be read here (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&id=d6b6fe9695&e=db9c683b19__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!FsvEZueyXCythUzTopv2BMQp15SGvin3fN-berwNOYsBb6NRDg9TMpmUJHefhY3OoglQ5J3Ni5ZwKSak1ZA7_8ts$).
* * *
Original text here: https://ago.mo.gov/china-declares-missouri-an-economic-and-reputational-menace-in-new-legal-action/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Sues Federal Government for $15 Million in EV Charging Infrastructure
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 17 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Sues Federal Government for $15 Million in EV Charging Infrastructure
Attorney General Mayes today joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general and one governor in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for unlawfully suspending two bipartisan grant programs for electric vehicle (EV) charging, jeopardizing $15 million the Phoenix intended to use to increase public access to EV charging infrastructure in strategic locations throughout the city.
"I've
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 17 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Sues Federal Government for $15 Million in EV Charging Infrastructure
Attorney General Mayes today joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general and one governor in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for unlawfully suspending two bipartisan grant programs for electric vehicle (EV) charging, jeopardizing $15 million the Phoenix intended to use to increase public access to EV charging infrastructure in strategic locations throughout the city.
"I'vealready protected more than $1.5 billion for Arizona by filing these lawsuits and forcing the federal government to cough up the funding it lawfully owes us," said Attorney General Mayes. "The Federal Highway Administration awarded $15 million to Phoenix, and the President doesn't have the right to step in and take it away."
Other communities across Arizona - Mesa, Cochise County, the San Carlos Apache Tribal Nation, and Maricopa County - have previously benefitted from these funding opportunities and have been able to implement public EV charging programs across the State. The City of Phoenix, however, was selected for a CFI grant in January 2025 and still has not received the $15 million they were awarded
In 2024, the Arizona Governor's Office of Resiliency Clean Arizona Plan identified the CFI program as one important means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Arizona. The funding that the federal government has unlawfully suspended would have supported the installation of nearly 150 publicly accessible EV charging ports across Phoenix, the State's most populous urban center and home to approximately 47% of the State's EVs. The project also included 10 portable solar-powered charging stations and solar-covered parking structures at city-owned multi-family housing sites.
Without any explanation or notice, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has quietly refused to approve any new funding under two electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs created in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA): Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program (CFI) and the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator (Accelerator) Program (together, the EV Charging Infrastructure Programs).
In the lawsuit, Arizona and the coalition allege that these unexplained and secretive actions violate the constitutional separation of powers, as the funding was approved by bipartisan majorities in Congress. In 2022, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, the CFI and Accelerator programs are five-year programs created by IIJA for building or repairing EV chargers. USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration have refused all new obligations of funds under both programs since the spring of 2025, jeopardizing both current and future funding opportunities.
The complaint filed today alleges that the Trump administration's refusal to spend the funds that Congress appropriated for EV infrastructure is unlawful because it violates the separation of powers and violates the Administrative Procedure Act. The programs were created by statute, and federal agencies have a duty to faithfully execute those statutes. The complaint asks the court to declare that the defendants' actions are unlawful and to permanently stop the administration from withholding these funds.
Attorney General Mayes joins the Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Washington, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the Governor of Pennsylvania in filing this lawsuit.
A copy of the lawsuit is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=4a7c65d157&e=b0dbe1a1e5).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-sues-federal-government-15-million-ev-charging-infrastructure
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Multistate Settlement With Hyundai and Kia for Their Sales of Vehicles Lacking Industry Standard, Anti-Theft Technology
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 17 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Announces Multistate Settlement with Hyundai and Kia for their Sales of Vehicles Lacking Industry Standard, Anti-Theft Technology
Attorney General Mayes announced today that Arizona, along with 34 other attorneys general, has reached a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundai and Kia over their sale of millions of vehicles nationwide that lacked industry-standard, anti-theft technology. This failure resulted in an epidemic of car thefts and
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 17 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Dec. 16, 2025:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Announces Multistate Settlement with Hyundai and Kia for their Sales of Vehicles Lacking Industry Standard, Anti-Theft Technology
Attorney General Mayes announced today that Arizona, along with 34 other attorneys general, has reached a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundai and Kia over their sale of millions of vehicles nationwide that lacked industry-standard, anti-theft technology. This failure resulted in an epidemic of car thefts andjoy riding across the country that continues to threaten public safety. Under the settlement, Hyundai and Kia have agreed to:
* Equip all future vehicles sold in the United States with industry-standard, engine immobilizer anti-theft technology;
* Offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners or lessees of eligible vehicles, including vehicles that previously were only eligible for the companies' software updates;
* Provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to eligible consumers whose cars are damaged by thieves; and
* Pay $4.5 million to the states to defray the costs of the investigation.
"Hyundai and Kia sold vehicles without basic, industry-standard anti-theft protections and Arizonans paid the price through increased thefts, damaged vehicles, and serious risks to public safety," said Attorney General Mayes. "This settlement forces these companies to fix the problem, make consumers whole where possible, and ensure this never happens again."
Many of Hyundai and Kia's Vehicles Lacked Industry Standard Anti-Theft Technology.
Hyundai and Kia chose not include anti-theft "engine-immobilizer" technology in millions of their vehicles sold throughout the United States, including in Arizona. An engine immobilizer prevents thieves from starting a vehicle's engine without the vehicle's "smart" key, which stores the vehicle's electronic security code. According to one report, in 2015, only 26% of the vehicles Kia and Hyundai sold in the United States were equipped with engine immobilizers, compared to 96% of the vehicles sold by other manufacturers.
States Across the Country, Including Arizona, Have Experienced a Drastic Increase in Hyundai and Kia Vehicle Thefts.
Car thieves devised a quick and simple way to access these vehicles' ignition cylinders and start these cars without a key, which quickly went viral, leading to a drastic, nationwide increase in Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts. Furthermore, many of the stolen vehicles were used in connection with other crimes and were involved in many traffic collisions, some fatal. These actions represent a public safety crisis that has caused substantial and serious harm to our communities.
Hyundai and Kia's Response to the Public Safety Crisis.
Hyundai and Kia were slow to respond to the crisis, waiting until 2023 to launch a service campaign to update the software on many affected vehicles. Hyundai and Kia also offered to install a zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector, but only for the roughly twenty percent of their vehicles that were ineligible for this software update. While the companies claimed that the software update blocked the viral theft method, the states alleged that the software update could be, and in fact was, easily bypassed by thieves.
The Settlement Makes Zinc-Reinforced Ignition Cylinder Protectors Available for All Affected Vehicles.
The Attorneys General pressed Hyundai and Kia to do more to protect consumers, and through this settlement, Attorney General Mayes has ensured that all consumers with eligible vehicles can have zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors installed on their vehicle free of charge.
Eligible consumers will have one year from the date of notice from the companies to make an appointment to have the zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed at their local Hyundai or Kia authorized dealerships.
Attorney General Mayes urges consumers to schedule the installation of the zinc-reinforce ignition cylinder protector as soon as possible.
"Eligible Arizonans should visit their local Hyundai or Kia to have them install a cylinder protector as soon as possible," said Attorney General Mayes. "These anti-theft devices are designed to stop thieves from breaking the ignition cylinder to steal your vehicle, and as a result of this settlement, Hyundai and Kia must install them free of charge.
In addition, consumers who previously installed the software update on their vehicles (or were scheduled to do so) but nonetheless experienced a theft or attempted theft of their vehicle on or after April 29, 2025, are eligible to file a claim for restitution for certain theft and attempted-theft related expenses.
For more information about eligibility and how to submit a claim for compensation from Hyundai or Kia, please visit the following:
www.HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com
or contact Hyundai at 1-877-409-4173 and Kia at 1-844-655-4191.
This case was handled for the Arizona Attorney General's Office by Senior Litigation Counsel Alyse Meislik.
The attorneys general of Connecticut, Minnesota, and New Hampshire led the multistate settlement, and were assisted by California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, and Washington. Arizona was also joined in final settlement was also joined by Colorado, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud or unfair practices, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General's website at www.azag.gov/consumer. If you need a complaint form sent to you, you can contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.
* Attachments
2025-12-16 Complaint_HyundaiKia.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-multistate-settlement-hyundai-and-kia-their-sales
