Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Va. A.G. Jones Joins Coalition Opposing EPA's Proposal to Gut National Limits on Toxic Ethylene Oxide Pollution
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 20 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Coalition Opposing EPA's Proposal to Gut National Limits on Toxic Ethylene Oxide Pollution
Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of attorneys general opposing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to repeal national emission standards for ethylene oxide (EtO) used by commercial sterilization facilities. According to the EPA's own assessment, EtO is a known human carcinogen and among the most toxic pollutants
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RICHMOND, Virginia, May 20 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Coalition Opposing EPA's Proposal to Gut National Limits on Toxic Ethylene Oxide Pollution
Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of attorneys general opposing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to repeal national emission standards for ethylene oxide (EtO) used by commercial sterilization facilities. According to the EPA's own assessment, EtO is a known human carcinogen and among the most toxic pollutantsregulated under the Clean Air Act.
"The Commonwealth takes pride in being home to a diverse landscape and Virginians are united in our urgency to protect our air, land, and sea. This proposal puts the health of the people and our air in harm's way," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "Virginians will not turn a blind eye as the Trump administration continues to ignore science and endanger the health of our communities. We urge the Trump administration and the EPA to keep this critical standard in place."
In 2024, the EPA improved old regulations on EtO, taking into account updated scientific evidence showing EtO emissions are far more harmful than previously recognized. Among other improvements, the 2024 updates required the complete capture of EtO at sterilizer facilities that use it, major reductions to EtO pollution and continuous emissions monitoring at regulated facilities. The Trump administration is now proposing to dismantle the updated EtO limits and return to the old regulations.
In their comments, Attorney General Jones and the coalition argue that the EPA's new proposal unlawfully ignores decades of scientific progress and improved understanding of the health risks from EtO pollution.
Long-term cumulative exposure, even to very small amounts of EtO, significantly increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers. Researchers for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that workers from 13 sterilizer facilities who participated in a study of EtO's health effects suffered higher rates of breast cancer and lymphomas. A follow-up study on the female workers found that cumulative exposure to EtO was associated with elevated rates of breast cancer mortality, with workers who were exposed to the highest EtO levels dying at three times the rate of their unexposed peers.
Short-term exposure to high levels of EtO can cause memory loss, headaches, dizziness, numbness and other neurological impacts, as well as respiratory, eye and skin irritation. Children are especially vulnerable to EtO, which can cause DNA mutations. Analysis from the EPA also found that commercial sterilizers emitting EtO disproportionately impose adverse health effects on communities of color, low-income populations and indigenous peoples.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul led the coalition. Joining Attorneys General Jones and Raoul in submitting the letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Vermont.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3026-attorney-general-jay-jones-joins-coalition-opposing-epas-proposal-to-gut-national-limits-on-toxic-ethylene-oxide-pollution
S.D. A.G. Jackley Releases Final Ballot Explanation on Proposal Requiring 60% Approval for Constitutional Amendments and Revisions
PIERRE, South Dakota, May 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Releases Final Ballot Explanation on Proposal Requiring 60 Percent Approval for Constitutional Amendments and Revisions
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the final ballot explanation for a Constitutional Amendment proposed by the State Legislature that would require any future proposed Constitutional Amendment or Revision receive an affirmative vote of at least 60 percent of the votes cast to be approved. The proposed
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PIERRE, South Dakota, May 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Releases Final Ballot Explanation on Proposal Requiring 60 Percent Approval for Constitutional Amendments and Revisions
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the final ballot explanation for a Constitutional Amendment proposed by the State Legislature that would require any future proposed Constitutional Amendment or Revision receive an affirmative vote of at least 60 percent of the votes cast to be approved. The proposedamendment will be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
Attorney General Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation. As required by law, he has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the initiated Constitutional Amendment to help assist the voters as required by state law.
The sponsors of the proposed Constitutional Amendment were Rep. John Hughes and Sen. Sue Peterson which was approved by the 2025 South Dakota Legislature.
The Attorney General's explanation was finalized after a review of all the comments received during the 10-day comment period on the Attorney General's draft explanation. Two comments were received by the deadline.
Language for the final initiated ballot measure explanation can be found here (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3084).
For more information regarding ballot measures, please visit the Secretary of State's website.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3084
N.J. A.G. Davenport Sues to Protect Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 20 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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AG Davenport Sues to Protect Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
Coalition Challenges Unlawful Rule That Could Restrict Access to Advanced Education and Worsen Healthcare Workforce Shortages
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing certain professional
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TRENTON, New Jersey, May 20 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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AG Davenport Sues to Protect Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
Coalition Challenges Unlawful Rule That Could Restrict Access to Advanced Education and Worsen Healthcare Workforce Shortages
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing certain professionaldegree programs, including many healthcare fields.
The lawsuit challenges a recently finalized Department of Education rule that narrows the federal definition of "professional degree." The coalition argues the rule unlawfully excludes many degree programs that qualify under federal law, including Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, reducing access to financial aid for students pursuing advanced education.
"In the midst of an affordability crisis -- and a shortage of crucial healthcare workers -- the Trump Administration is raising the cost of a nursing degree and others. That's counterproductive and unlawful," said Attorney General Davenport. "New Jersey needs more advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and physical and occupational therapists, not fewer. Shrinking the number of graduate health professionals will create more gaps in our overburdened healthcare system."
In July 2025, Congress passed legislation imposing new limits on federal student loans for graduate and professional students. The new limits are lower for graduate students ($20,500 annually) than for professional degree students ($50,000 annually). To distinguish the two, Congress incorporated an existing federal definition of "professional degree" into law. The lawsuit alleges that the Department of Education unlawfully altered that definition by adding new requirements and narrowing eligibility in ways Congress never authorized.
The coalition argues the rule could harm states by reducing support for public institutions of higher education, creating barriers for students pursuing advanced training, and worsening workforce shortages in critical professions. For example, these barriers apply to students pursuing degrees as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who can go on to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nursed anesthetists.
These impacts could be particularly significant in fields such as healthcare, where states already face ongoing workforce challenges. According to the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, the state continues to face significant shortages of advanced practice registered nurses - a problem likely to get worse if the rule reduces enrollment and makes recruiting harder.
The lawsuit also challenges provisions of the rule that limit protections for students already enrolled in programs. The statute includes a grandfathering provision that delays implementation of the loan caps for currently enrolled students. Under the rule, however, some students who transfer institutions or temporarily withdraw and later return to their programs could lose eligibility for grandfathering, creating additional financial barriers.
The coalition filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
The lawsuit is being co-led by the attorneys general of Colorado, Maryland, Nevada, and New York. Attorney General Davenport is joining the co-lead states and the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, in filing the lawsuit.
View Complaint (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/001-Complaint.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-sues-to-protect-access-to-student-loans-for-professional-degree-programs/
Md. A.G. Brown, MDE Secure $4.1 Million Settlement With Ridgely's Reserve After Construction Runoff Polluted the Gunpowder River
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 20 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown, MDE Secure $4.1 Million Settlement with Ridgely's Reserve after Construction Runoff Polluted the Gunpowder River
Settlement Provides Funding for Community-Driven Remediation
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Secretary Serena McIlwain today announced a $4.1 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit against the Ridgely's Reserve housing development for water pollution that harmed the Gunpowder
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 20 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown, MDE Secure $4.1 Million Settlement with Ridgely's Reserve after Construction Runoff Polluted the Gunpowder River
Settlement Provides Funding for Community-Driven Remediation
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Secretary Serena McIlwain today announced a $4.1 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit against the Ridgely's Reserve housing development for water pollution that harmed the GunpowderRiver.
The settlement with the developer, homebuilder, and contractor over muddy runoff from the construction site requires enhanced measures to prevent pollution and achieve compliance with environmental laws. It also includes a $2 million civil penalty and another $2.1 million for community-driven remediation projects to improve water quality and restore aquatic habitats in the Foster Branch and Gunpowder River drainage basins, including competitive grants to non-profits, community associations, and local governments for projects designed to improve water quality and restore aquatic habitats in the watersheds.
"Maryland's rivers and streams are public resources that belong to every resident of this State, not dumping grounds for construction runoff," said Attorney General Brown. "This settlement holds polluters accountable and directs meaningful funding into the communities and waterways that were harmed."
"These violations were not minor. They were repeated. They were preventable. And they caused real harm to the Gunpowder River and the communities that depend on it," said Secretary McIlwain. "This settlement holds these companies accountable, stops the damage, and directs meaningful resources back into the communities and waterways that were impacted. We also thank the Gunpowder Riverkeeper for their role in this case."
D.R. Horton, Inc., Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group Inc., and Kinsley Construction, LLC are the defendants that agreed to the settlement.
The state first inspected the 121-acre housing development and related sewer line project in the Joppa area of Harford County site in 2022 in response to citizen and riverkeeper complaints about sediment-laden water downstream. MDE filed a lawsuit in September 2024 alleging that construction activities at the sites led to the unpermitted discharge of sediment into Foster Branch and the Gunpowder River. The Department asserted that these discharges caused harmful impacts to water quality and marine life, the loss of underwater grasses, and physical topography changes and habitat disruption in Foster Branch and the Gunpowder River.
The Gunpowder Riverkeeper subsequently intervened as co-plaintiff in the suit and is party to the settlement.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown,-MDE-Secure-.1-Million-Settlement-with-Ridgely%e2%80%99s-Reserve-after-Construction-Runoff-Polluted-the-Gu.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Unlawful Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 20 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Unlawful Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today co-led a coalition of 24 attorneys general and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in challenging a new U.S. Department of Education rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degree programs, including many healthcare and other
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 20 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Unlawful Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today co-led a coalition of 24 attorneys general and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in challenging a new U.S. Department of Education rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degree programs, including many healthcare and othercritical workforce fields.
The recently finalized rule narrows the federal definition of "professional degree" and imposes restrictions Congress did not authorize. In challenging the rule, the coalition argues it unlawfully excludes many degree programs that qualify under the standards established by federal law, potentially reducing access to financial aid for students pursuing advanced education.
A video statement from Attorney General Brown is available here: https://youtu.be/8KEQr0Ye_TU
"This unlawful rule doesn't just limit loans for graduate students: it limits students' futures. By capping loan amounts, the Trump Administration will force Marylanders who want to be nurses, physician assistants, or physical therapists to decide between taking on more expensive private loans, or walking away from their chosen career," said Attorney General Brown. "We will not allow this Administration to price our future healthcare professionals out of the workforce."
In July 2025, Congress passed legislation imposing new limits on federal student loans for graduate and professional students. The new limits are lower for graduate students than for professional students; to distinguish the two, Congress incorporated an existing federal definition of "professional degree" into law. The lawsuit alleges that the Department of Education unlawfully altered that definition by adding new requirements and narrowing eligibility in ways Congress never authorized.
The coalition argues the rule could harm states by reducing revenue for public institutions of higher education, creating barriers for students pursuing advanced training, and worsening workforce shortages in critical professions. For example, the University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore offers an entry-level Master of Science in Nursing degree that the Final Rule improperly refuses to classify as "professional." Under the Department's definition, a graduate nursing student could only borrow up to $20,500 per year for that program in federal student loans, $29,500 less than if the degree were correctly classified as professional. Some students will struggle to borrow funds through private loans to cover the gap.
The complaint notes that these impacts could be particularly significant for healthcare professions, which already present significant workforce challenges.
The lawsuit also challenges provisions that limit protections for students already enrolled in programs. The statute includes a grandfathering provision that delays implementation of the loan caps for currently enrolled students. Under the rule, however, some students who transfer institutions or temporarily withdraw and later return to their programs could lose eligibility for grandfathering, creating additional financial barriers.
The coalition filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
The lawsuit is being co-led by Attorney General Brown, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Joining the coalition are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in filing the lawsuit.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Sues-U.S.-Department-of-Education-Over-Unlawful-Rule-Limiting-Access-to-Student-Loans-for-Profession.aspx
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 20 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
Attorney General Kris Mayes today joined a coalition of attorneys general in suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degree programs, including many healthcare and other critical workforce fields.
The lawsuit challenges a recently
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 20 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
Attorney General Kris Mayes today joined a coalition of attorneys general in suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degree programs, including many healthcare and other critical workforce fields.
The lawsuit challenges a recentlyfinalized Department of Education rule that narrows the federal definition of "professional degree" and imposes restrictions Congress did not authorize. The coalition argues the rule unlawfully excludes many degree programs that qualify under the standards established by federal law, potentially reducing access to financial aid for students pursuing advanced education.
"Arizona is already facing a serious healthcare workforce shortage, particularly in rural communities," said Attorney General Mayes. "This unlawful rule would make that crisis worse by putting professional degree programs out of financial reach for Arizona students who are working hard to fill those gaps."
In July 2025, Congress passed legislation imposing new limits on federal student loans for graduate and professional students. The new limits are lower for graduate students than for professional degree students; to distinguish the two, Congress incorporated an existing federal definition of "professional degree" into law. The lawsuit alleges that the Department of Education unlawfully altered that definition by adding new requirements and narrowing eligibility in ways Congress never authorized.
The coalition argues the rule could harm states by reducing support for public institutions of higher education, creating barriers for students pursuing advanced training, and worsening workforce shortages in critical professions. Arizona already faces significant healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The lawsuit also challenges provisions that limit protections for students already enrolled in programs. The statute includes a grandfathering provision that delays implementation of the loan caps for currently enrolled students. Under the rule, however, some students who transfer institutions or temporarily withdraw and later return to their programs could lose eligibility for grandfathering, creating additional financial barriers.
The coalition filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
The lawsuit is being co-led by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Attorney General Mayes is joining the co-lead states and the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in filing the lawsuit.
A copy of the complaint (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=645458cb31&e=9153ff6c96) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-sues-us-department-education-over-student-loan-rule-limiting
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Felony Indictment in Unlicensed Medical Practice Case
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 20 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Felony Indictment in Unlicensed Medical Practice Case
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a Maricopa County grand jury indicted Sayde Shea Holladay on May 11, 2026 on three felony counts related to the operation of a business called SlimSlays.
Holladay faces the following counts:
* Count 1: Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (Class 2 Felony) under A.R.S. Sec. 13-2310(A)
* Count 2: Unlawful Practice of Medicine (Class 5 Felony)
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 20 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Felony Indictment in Unlicensed Medical Practice Case
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a Maricopa County grand jury indicted Sayde Shea Holladay on May 11, 2026 on three felony counts related to the operation of a business called SlimSlays.
Holladay faces the following counts:
* Count 1: Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (Class 2 Felony) under A.R.S. Sec. 13-2310(A)
* Count 2: Unlawful Practice of Medicine (Class 5 Felony)under A.R.S. Sec. 32-1455(A)(1)
* Count 3: Sale or Transfer of Prescription-Only Drugs (Class 6 Felony) under A.R.S. Sec. 13-3406(A)(7)
The indictment alleges that between January 1, 2026, and April 28, 2026, Holladay obtained money, business, or customers through fraudulent pretenses, including failing to disclose that she was not a licensed medical provider, that SlimSlays had no licensed medical provider authorized to prescribe prescription-only drugs, and that the business had no state-licensed medical director providing legally-mandated clinical oversight.
Holladay is further alleged to have practiced medicine without a license and to have knowingly sold or transferred semaglutide and Botox -- both prescription-only drugs -- without authorization.
Ms. Holladay is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. A copy of the indictment (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=ed6f8ef9f3&e=9153ff6c96) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-felony-indictment-unlicensed-medical-practice-case
