Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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Okla. A.G. Drummond Meets With Vice President JD Vance and White House Fraud Task Force
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 27 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Drummond meets with Vice President JD Vance and White House Fraud Task Force
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond today participated in a high-level meeting with Vice President JD Vance and the White House Fraud Task Force to discuss combating fraud, strengthening consumer protection efforts and enhancing coordination between state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The task force meeting brought together 15 state attorneys general, federal law enforcement
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 27 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Drummond meets with Vice President JD Vance and White House Fraud Task Force
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond today participated in a high-level meeting with Vice President JD Vance and the White House Fraud Task Force to discuss combating fraud, strengthening consumer protection efforts and enhancing coordination between state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The task force meeting brought together 15 state attorneys general, federal law enforcementleaders and inspectors general from multiple federal agencies, as well as FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller. The roundtable discussion included strategies for eliminating fraud and protecting American consumers, patients and taxpayers.
"Fraud is not a victimless crime. It steals from taxpayers, exploits vulnerable people and undermines public trust," Drummond said. "Oklahoma is aggressively pursuing the corporations, criminal networks and bad actors responsible for these schemes, and we now have federal partners who are serious about helping states get results."
During the roundtable discussion, Drummond highlighted Oklahoma's ongoing efforts to hold corporations and criminal networks accountable through both civil enforcement and criminal prosecution. He discussed his office's recent lawsuit against State Farm to hold the company accountable for its alleged improper denials of hail and wind claims in Oklahoma.
Drummond also discussed the work of his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), which investigates health care provider fraud as well as abuse, neglect and exploitation in long-term care settings. The unit works closely with federal partners including the FBI, HHS Office of Inspector General and U.S. Attorneys' Offices to identify and prosecute fraud schemes impacting taxpayer-funded health care programs. Most recently, Oklahoma's MFCU concluded a multi-month investigation that resulted in 10 criminal case filings and one civil filing involving 15 individuals and entities connected to multiple fraudulent schemes.
"Oklahoma is proving every day that aggressive enforcement and strong partnerships work," Drummond said. "We are recovering taxpayer dollars, dismantling fraud schemes and holding powerful interests accountable when they exploit Oklahomans."
Drummond highlighted Oklahoma's ongoing partnerships with federal agencies through joint law enforcement trainings, including a recent cryptocurrency investigations training conducted in partnership with the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys' Office for the Western District of Oklahoma. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with federal partners to combat emerging financial crimes and increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. He also expressed his appreciation for the Trump Administration's commitment to restoring law and order and giving states the tools needed to fight back against organized criminal activity and fraud schemes.
"The previous administration tied the hands of states while criminal networks exploited the chaos at the border," Drummond said. "President Trump and Vice President Vance have restored cooperation with the states and made clear that public safety and law enforcement matter again. I am grateful for their strong leadership and look forward to continuing this important partnership as we work together to combat fraud, dismantle criminal enterprises and protect our citizens."
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/may/drummond-meets-with-vice-president-jd-vance-and-white-house-frau.html
N.J. A.G. Davenport: Veteran Federal Prosecutor Named to Serve as Insurance Fraud Prosecutor
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 27 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Veteran Federal Prosecutor Named to Serve as Insurance Fraud Prosecutor
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that Gov. Mikie Sherrill has appointed veteran federal prosecutor Bernard J. Cooney of Montclair, New Jersey, to serve as the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.
Created in 1998, the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) is responsible for conducting full and fair investigations to ensure successful criminal prosecutions, civil
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TRENTON, New Jersey, May 27 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Veteran Federal Prosecutor Named to Serve as Insurance Fraud Prosecutor
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that Gov. Mikie Sherrill has appointed veteran federal prosecutor Bernard J. Cooney of Montclair, New Jersey, to serve as the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.
Created in 1998, the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) is responsible for conducting full and fair investigations to ensure successful criminal prosecutions, civiladjudications, licensing sanctions or other appropriate dispositions in matters alleging insurance fraud.
"Bernard Cooney's career in public service makes him the ideal candidate to take over the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor," said Governor Sherrill. "His deep experience in pursuing criminal and civil cases involving healthcare fraud, white collar crime, and financial fraud aligns extremely well with the strategic mission of the OIFP. He takes the helm of an agency that is already working hard to root out insurance abuse and fraud and keep costs low for the people of New Jersey."
"The people of New Jersey are fortunate to have an experienced public servant like Bernard Cooney in this important role," said Attorney General Davenport. "Bernard Cooney brings a proven record of experience and accomplishment to his new position. He will build on the success the OIFP has built in rooting out and prosecuting anyone attempting to illegally use the insurance business to line their own pockets."
Cooney worked as an assistant U.S. Attorney - District of New Jersey from June 2013 to March 2022, and from May 2023 to March 2025. At the U.S. Attorney's Office, he served as the chief of the Health Care Fraud Unit from July 2024 to March 2025, supervising a unit of 12 attorneys dedicated to criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of complex health care fraud schemes and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the False Claims Act. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he investigated and prosecuted health care fraud and national security matters. He also served as the office's International Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) Coordinator and worked for the office's National Security Unit, where he investigated and prosecuted theft of trade secrets, sanctions evasion, terrorism, and other national security matters.
His service at the U.S. Attorney's Office also included working as the chief of the Government Fraud Unit, supervising eight attorneys responsible for criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of government program fraud, including Paycheck Protection Program loan fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and False Claims Act violations.
As Acting Chief of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Unit he supervised a team of attorneys and paraprofessionals responsible for criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of improper diversion of opioids and other prescription drugs and related health care fraud offenses, including fraud against the government and private health insurance plans, kickback schemes, and False Claims Act violations. He also served on the Health Care Fraud Unit and the Narcotics/Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.
From March 2022 to May 2023, Cooney worked for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), where he was ultimately promoted to Principal Counsel, Enforcement Department. Cooney investigated and prosecuted violations of securities industry rules, regulations, and laws; advised investigative and examination staff on regulatory violations; effectively negotiated settlements; drafted settlement documents, complaints, and internal memoranda.
"It is an honor to be nominated to this position and join the men and women who are working so hard to prevent fraud in our insurance systems," said Cooney. "I look forward to joining the team and continuing this important work."
Most recently, Cooney was a partner with the firm Clark Guldin in Montclair, New Jersey, handling white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and complex commercial litigation. He earned his bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and his law degree at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York.
The OIFP serves as the focal point for the coordination of all criminal, civil and administrative prosecutions of Medicaid and insurance fraud. The office also coordinates all insurance-related anti-fraud activities of state and local departments and agencies. Cooney must be confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate. He has been serving as Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor since May 18, 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/veteran-federal-prosecutor-named-to-serve-as-insurance-fraud-prosecutor/
N.H. A.G. Formella: State Settles Hazardous Waste Handling Violations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 27 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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State Settles Hazardous Waste Handling Violations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) have reached a settlement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in the Town of Hanover.
A NHDES compliance inspection revealed
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 27 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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State Settles Hazardous Waste Handling Violations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) have reached a settlement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in the Town of Hanover.
A NHDES compliance inspection revealednumerous violations of the Hazardous Waste Management Act, RSA 147-A, and associated administrative rules, associated with CRREL's management of waste streams generated from a groundwater treatment process to address legacy trichlorethylene (TCE) contamination at the facility.
NHDES cited CRREL for failing to properly perform hazardous waste determinations related to byproducts of the groundwater treatment process, shipping hazardous waste as non-hazardous, as well as other waste storage and reporting violations.
Following corrective action to remedy the violations, CRREL agreed to enter into an Administrative Order by Consent and to pay a $200,000 civil forfeiture to the State.
"Compliance with our Hazardous Waste laws and regulations is critical to the continued safety of the public and protection of our natural resources. We hold all generators and handlers of hazardous waste, including the federal government, to strict compliance with the law," said Attorney General Formella. "Civil penalties like this one are an important tool to deter noncompliance. We will continue to enforce our state environmental laws and hold violators accountable."
The civil forfeiture will be deposited in the New Hampshire hazardous waste cleanup fund under RSA 147-B as required by law.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/state-settles-hazardous-waste-handling-violations-us-army-corps-engineers-cold
Md. A.G. Brown Announces That No Charges Will Be Filed in the March 10, 2026 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 27 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces that No Charges Will Be Filed in the March 10, 2026 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
Today, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced his decision not to seek charges in the Tuesday, March 10, 2026 fatal police-involved shooting that occurred in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., officers with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) responded to a 911
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 27 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces that No Charges Will Be Filed in the March 10, 2026 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
Today, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced his decision not to seek charges in the Tuesday, March 10, 2026 fatal police-involved shooting that occurred in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., officers with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) responded to a 911call reporting a burglary in progress in the 6200 block of Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland. Upon arrival, officers learned that one man and two women were inside the residence. The man, later identified as Jonathan Ingram, fired at responding officers and threatened the lives of the two women inside the home. The BPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was deployed to the scene.
One woman escaped through a rear window of the house, moved onto a balcony, and jumped into the backyard below. Officers moved into the yard and safely extracted her from the area. Ingram fired additional shots toward officers, striking and injuring one officer. As the standoff continued, SWAT Officer Brian Loiero discharged a single round through an upstairs window, striking Ingram. SWAT officers entered the residence and rescued the second woman.
A medical assessment was provided to Ingram and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers located a handgun near Ingram. The injured officer and the two women were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries.
The Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division (IID) began investigating the fatal police-involved shooting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and concluded its investigation on May 19, 2026. After completing its investigation and evaluating all the available evidence, the Office of the Attorney General has determined that the subject officer did not commit a crime under Maryland law. Accordingly, the Attorney General has declined to prosecute the subject officer in this case.
A copy of the IID's detailed investigative findings and analysis of relevant legal issues can be found in its declination report (https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-that-No-Charges-Will-Be-Filed-in-the-March-10,-2026-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-the-.aspx).
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-that-No-Charges-Will-Be-Filed-in-the-March-10,-2026-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-the-.aspx
Ariz. Asst. A.G. Coleman Issues Letter to RV Pit Stop Park Owners
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 27 (TNSletter) -- Arizona Assistant Attorney General Martin Coleman issued the following letter to RV Pit Stop Park owners:
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Here is the text of the letter:
May 12, 2026
Alejandra Garcia, Owner/Manager
Ignacio Garcia, Owner/Manager
RV Pit Stop Park
425 and 485 W. Main Street
Quartzite, AZ 85346
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Owners of Pit Stop RV Park
Pit Stop Portfolio, LLC
C/O Parabellum Law Group
2201 Long Prairie Road, # 107-804
Flower Mound, Texas 75022
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RV Pit Stop Portfolio, LLC
Attn: Paracorp Incorporated
8825 N. 23rd Avenue, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Re: Cease and
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PHOENIX, Arizona, May 27 (TNSletter) -- Arizona Assistant Attorney General Martin Coleman issued the following letter to RV Pit Stop Park owners:
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Here is the text of the letter:
May 12, 2026
Alejandra Garcia, Owner/Manager
Ignacio Garcia, Owner/Manager
RV Pit Stop Park
425 and 485 W. Main Street
Quartzite, AZ 85346
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Owners of Pit Stop RV Park
Pit Stop Portfolio, LLC
C/O Parabellum Law Group
2201 Long Prairie Road, # 107-804
Flower Mound, Texas 75022
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RV Pit Stop Portfolio, LLC
Attn: Paracorp Incorporated
8825 N. 23rd Avenue, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Re: Cease andDesist Letter/electrical power shut-off affecting tenants of Pit Stop RV Park, 425, 485 W. Main St., Quartzite, Arizona.
Dear Owners/Managers:
The Arizona Attorney General's Office hereby serves you with this cease-and desist letter concerning a recent electrical power shut-off at the Pit Stop RV Park located at 425 and 485 W Main Street, Quartzite, AZ 85346. Our investigation shows that there are multiple persons who currently reside at the park that are affected by the lack of electricity, including elderly and disabled residents who are uniquely vulnerable to heat-related injuries and illness. Exposure to heat without cooling causes several hundred deaths each year in Arizona. Your tenants are in immediate risk of significant injury or death from lack of available electrical power. This risk is heightened in RV units, which reach dangerous indoor temperatures far faster than insulated brick-and-mortar structures, especially since temperatures in Quartzite this week reached 104 degrees. .
Owners of multi-family residential housing in apartment buildings, mobile home parks and RV parks have statutory duties in Arizona to provide essential services to their tenants such as electricity and water. A.R.S. Sec. 33-2123(2) (RV Long Term Rental Space Act); A.R.S. Sec. 33-1324(A)(Arizona Residential Landlord-Tenant Act); A.R.S. Sec. 331434(A) Arizona Mobile Home Landlord & Tenant Act).
Our investigation indicates that the owners of RV Pit Stop caused the power to be shut-off following a recent warning for residents to vacate the RV Pit Stop park within 48 hours. Such a warning, if confirmed, may violate the Arizona RV Long Term Rental Space Act, A.R.S. Sec.Sec. 33-2101 et seq., the Arizona Innkeepers Statute, A.R.S. Sec.Sec.33-301 et seq., and the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (ACFA), A.R.S. Sec.Sec. 44-1521 et seq. Violations of the ACFA can subject you to injunction, restitution damages, civil penalties up to $10,000.00 for each violation, and attorney fees. The Arizona Attorney General's Office (AGO) is authorized under the ACFA bring legal action against wrongdoers to vindicate the interests of the State of Arizona and its consumers to who are injured by violations of the ACFA.
It is unlawful to deprive RV park tenants covered by the RV Long Term Rental Space Act of essential services without due process of law. A.R.S. Sec. 33-2142 or to terminate a tenancy without proper notice. A.R.S. Sec. 33-2143. It is also unlawful to provide tenants with a mere 48-hours' notice to vacate the property. Any other representation to tenants otherwise would misstate the laws governing their tenancies - and the electrical power should be turned off to force tenants into vacating their lots.
The deception to force the park tenants to leave within 48 hours appears to violate of the ACFA. RV Pit Stop park's failure to comply with applicable landlord tenant laws may also constitute an unfair business practice that violates the ACFA.
Because of the urgent nature of this matter, and the imminent health and safety concerns at hand, the Attorney General insists that the Park immediately complete all repairs necessary to bring its electrical system to code compliance by 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 14, 2026. You must provide documentation that electricity was restored by ROC-licensed contractors or the electrical company.
In addition to restoration of electrical power to the park, this cease-and-desist letter insists that you refrain from any further efforts to unlawfully cause the eviction of the remaining park tenants from their tenancies. We ask you to provide us with a copy of all notices of termination of tenancy delivered to the remaining tenants at the same time or before they are delivered to the tenants.
Please also ensure that park residents are provided with consistent, functional electrical and water system connectivity at all times until their tenancies end in a lawful manner. Functional electrical system connectivity is essential to tenant air conditioning needs, and should not be provided in an intermittent manner. If the electrical system fails, for whatever reason, our office would expect a landlord or property manager, as applicable, to offer alternative accommodations to the impacted resident(s), including, but not limited to, accommodations in an alternative rental pace unit with electrical system connectivity or a hotel at no additional cost to the resident(s).
The AGO demands that the Park preserve all documents, correspondence, communications (including employee emails, instant messages, and text messages), and any other written and electronic materials from January 1, 2024 to the present that relate to (a) maintenance requests and work orders at the Park concerning its electrical system and spacing requirements between adjacent RV rental space units; and (b) the Complex's sale or advertisement of Park rental space units, in anticipation of consumer fraud litigation.
As a final note, the AGO reminds the Park of its obligations as a housing provider under the Arizona Civil Rights Act. Arizona Fair Housing Laws guarantee Arizona citizens equal conditions and access to services while renting. As such, any remedial measures or repairs cannot be provided to residents on a discriminatory basis. Housing providers must also make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Failing to provide an accommodation to an individual whose disability is impacted or exacerbated by heat related conditions can potentially be a violation of the Fair Housing Laws. The Civil Rights Division of the AGO is tasked with enforcing the Arizona Civil Rights Act and is aware of and monitoring for any discriminatory actions on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, or disability.
If you have any questions about this letter, you may contact me at Martin.Coleman@azag.gov or 520-368-2821, or paralegal Belen Miranda at Belen.Miranda@azag.gov or (520) 209-4322.
Sincerely,
Martin Coleman, Assistant Attorney General
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Original text here: https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/37ab470e-533d-1e14-192b-59b8c97beeab/2026_05_12_RV_Pit_Stop_Cease_and_Desist_Letter.pdf
News Release here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-orders-quartzsite-rv-park-restore-power-immediately-cease
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Joins Coalition Opposing KIDS Act, Supports Stronger Online Protections for Children
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 27 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Joins Coalition Opposing KIDS Act, Supports Stronger Online Protections for Children
Today, Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Arizona has joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general opposing the federal Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act ("KIDS Act"), H.R. 7757, arguing the bill would weaken states' ability to protect children online while insulating Big Tech from accountability.
The coalition warned the KIDS Act would broadly preempt state
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 27 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Joins Coalition Opposing KIDS Act, Supports Stronger Online Protections for Children
Today, Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Arizona has joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general opposing the federal Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act ("KIDS Act"), H.R. 7757, arguing the bill would weaken states' ability to protect children online while insulating Big Tech from accountability.
The coalition warned the KIDS Act would broadly preempt statelaws addressing online harms to minors, including social media harms, obscenity, social gaming platforms, and artificial intelligence chatbots.
Attorney General Mayes emphasized that Congress should instead advance legislation that includes a meaningful duty of care requirement for online platforms.
"H.R. 7757 lets Big Tech off the hook and would hurt the ability of states like Arizona to protect children online," said Attorney General Mayes. "The safety of our children is more important than maximizing profits for Big Tech companies and the billionaires who own them. Congress should reject the House version of this bill and demand more accountability from Big Tech companies, not less."
The coalition expressed support for the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), S. 1748, which includes a key Duty of Care provision requiring online platforms to act in the best interests of minors while preserving states' authority to enforce stronger protections for children and teens.
The letter comes as attorneys general across the country continue investigations and litigation involving major social media platforms, including Meta and TikTok, over allegations that their platforms target and harm underage users.
"With dangerous products like AI chatbots gaining prominence, we have a duty to do more to protect our kids from companies that care only about maximizing engagement and profits," said Mayes. "The safety of our children online is not negotiable."
AG Mayes joins the Attorneys General of Connecticut, Hawaii, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The letter is being sent to Congressional leadership, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
A copy of the letter (https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/f6fedfa7-246e-42e8-bca6-7fecc7ff207b/KIDS_Act___FINAL.pdf) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-joins-coalition-opposing-kids-act-supports-stronger-online
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Highlights Success of Sober Living Home Fraud Grant Program
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 27 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Highlights Success of Sober Living Home Fraud Grant Program
One year after Attorney General Kris Mayes awarded a Sober Living Home Support Program grant to Defenders of Children, the Arizona Attorney General's Office today announced significant results: the establishment of Arizona's first statewide civil legal services program dedicated to Tribal members - a direct response to the AHCCCS sober living home fraud scandal that harmed some of the state's
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 27 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Highlights Success of Sober Living Home Fraud Grant Program
One year after Attorney General Kris Mayes awarded a Sober Living Home Support Program grant to Defenders of Children, the Arizona Attorney General's Office today announced significant results: the establishment of Arizona's first statewide civil legal services program dedicated to Tribal members - a direct response to the AHCCCS sober living home fraud scandal that harmed some of the state'smost vulnerable Native communities.
Funded through the Anti-Racketeering Revolving Fund, the grant was designed to support Tribal members across Arizona whose communities were disproportionately impacted by one of the largest Medicaid fraud schemes in state history, including women and children who were trafficked from rural Arizona to Metro Phoenix.
In the past year, Defenders of Children has:
* Gained admission to practice in Tribal courts across 15 of Arizona's 22 Tribal Nations, with more underway, reaching every region of the state
* Begun providing free expert civil legal services in federal, state, and Tribal court to survivors and those affected by the fraud
* Established closed-loop referral procedures with Tribal government agencies and Native American-focused nonprofits throughout Arizona
* Partnered with the Phoenix Indian Center -- a fellow grantee -- to launch a public legal education initiative, including a series of virtual Attorney Chats designed to inform and empower Tribal members
"This grant program was always intended to help the communities harmed by the sober living home fraud scandal," said Attorney General Kris Mayes. "Defenders of Children has created a program that addresses a critical need for Tribal communities. I want to thank them for their hard work and their commitment to the people they serve. I call on the Arizona Legislature to recognize the value of innovative, community-driven approaches like this one and to provide additional funding so that this critical work can continue and expand."
"This grant has allowed us to begin building something Arizona has never had before - a truly statewide legal safety net that meets Tribal members where they are, in their communities, in their courts, and in a manner that honors their Nations' diverse legal traditions," said David J. Newstone, Executive Director of Defenders of Children. "We are profoundly grateful to Attorney General Mayes for her support and her commitment to the healing and empowerment of Tribal members throughout Arizona."
All services provided under the program are delivered in accordance with Defenders of Children's commitment to trauma-informed, dignity-affirming, and culturally appropriate legal representation provided by licensed attorneys.
The Sober Living Home Support Program was established by Attorney General Mayes to provide resources toward individuals and communities most harmed by the widespread sober living home fraud that exploited Arizona's Medicaid system and preyed upon vulnerable Arizonans, including members of Tribal Nations.
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Originala text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-highlights-success-sober-living-home-fraud-grant-program
