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Washington State AI Task Force releases final report
OLYMPIA, Washington, July 2 (TNSrpt) -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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Washington State AI Task Force releases final report
The Washington State Artificial Intelligence Task Force today released its final report, capping two years of work to study how artificial intelligence is used across the state and to recommend policies that balance innovation with protections for civil rights, consumers, and workers.
The final report is the third and last report required of the task force by the Legislature, following a preliminary report in December
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OLYMPIA, Washington, July 2 (TNSrpt) -- Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following news release:
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Washington State AI Task Force releases final report
The Washington State Artificial Intelligence Task Force today released its final report, capping two years of work to study how artificial intelligence is used across the state and to recommend policies that balance innovation with protections for civil rights, consumers, and workers.
The final report is the third and last report required of the task force by the Legislature, following a preliminary report in December2024 and an interim report in December 2025. Combined with those earlier reports, the task force has now advanced eleven policy recommendations to the Legislature and Governor.
During the 2025-2026 legislative biennium, lawmakers introduced legislation addressing eight of the recommendations and has so far enacted four in whole or in part, including measures to regulate companion AI chatbots, improve transparency in healthcare prior authorizations, require disclosure of AI use by law enforcement, and strengthen enforcement against AI-generated child sexual abuse material.
"Washington does not have to choose between embracing innovation and protecting people," Attorney General Nick Brown said. "The goal has always been to find a balance that ensures that as AI continues to evolve it does so in a way that works for everyone, not just the companies developing it."
Created by the Legislature in 2024 through SB 5838, the task force brought together 19 members representing government, the technology industry, labor, civil rights organizations, consumer advocates, and academia. The task force's eight subcommittees held more than 75 meetings, many open to the public, and circulated draft recommendations to more than 300 stakeholders for public review and comment before public votes by the full task force.
In its final public meeting on April 24, 2026, the task force voted to adopt two new recommendations: establishing a permanent advisory body on AI and emerging technology, and regulating companion AI chatbots.
Alongside the final report, the task force is releasing two companion documents: an addendum reviewing existing state and federal AI regulation, and a survey of Washington workers on AI's impact in the workplace.
The final report, along with the task force's prior reports and supporting research, is available on the Attorney General's website at www.atg.wa.gov/aitaskforce.
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Washington's Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state's largest law firm, the Attorney General's Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington's 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
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REPORT: https://agportal-s3bucket.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Publications/WA%20AI%20Task%20Force%20Final%20Report%20July%202026.pdf?VersionId=I80a55j7U5HtbnmTfMdFk65BE7UF3B1H
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Original text here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/washington-state-ai-task-force-releases-final-report
S.D. A.G. Jackley Announces Mike Durfee Prison Inmate Found Guilty of Possession of Illegal Substances
PIERRE, South Dakota, July 2 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Mike Durfee Prison Inmate Found Guilty of Possession of Illegal Substances
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Mike Durfee State Prison inmate has been found guilty of one felony count of Possession of a Prohibited Substance by an Inmate and one felony count of Unauthorized Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Keith Hawk, 41, was found guilty Wednesday by a Bon Homme Country Circuit Court jury.
He faces
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PIERRE, South Dakota, July 2 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Mike Durfee Prison Inmate Found Guilty of Possession of Illegal Substances
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Mike Durfee State Prison inmate has been found guilty of one felony count of Possession of a Prohibited Substance by an Inmate and one felony count of Unauthorized Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Keith Hawk, 41, was found guilty Wednesday by a Bon Homme Country Circuit Court jury.
He facesa maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the Possession of a Prohibited Substance by an Inmate charge and a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the Unauthorized Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Because he is an inmate, the sentences for each charge may be doubled.
The crimes occurred Nov. 18, 2025. The substance involved was identified as K2.
Hawk will be sentenced Aug. 21, 2026.
The case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The South Dakota Attorney General's Office prosecuted.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3105
N.H. A.G. Formella Files Lawsuit to Remove Concrete Barriers Blocking the Northern Rail Trail in Andover, New Hampshire
CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 2 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Formella Files Lawsuit to Remove Concrete Barriers Blocking the Northern Rail Trail in Andover, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the Department of Justice ("DOJ") has filed a Complaint in Merrimack County Superior Court against Leonard Caron of Andover, New Hampshire alleging trespass, nuisance, and negligence after he placed concrete barriers and blocked access to a portion of the Northern Rail Trail (the "Rail
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 2 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Formella Files Lawsuit to Remove Concrete Barriers Blocking the Northern Rail Trail in Andover, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the Department of Justice ("DOJ") has filed a Complaint in Merrimack County Superior Court against Leonard Caron of Andover, New Hampshire alleging trespass, nuisance, and negligence after he placed concrete barriers and blocked access to a portion of the Northern Rail Trail (the "RailTrail") in Andover. The DOJ is seeking an expedited injunction against Caron to remove the concrete barriers and re-open the Rail Trail to the public pending resolution of the lawsuit.
Caron is the owner of several parcels abutting the Northern Rail Corridor (the "Corridor"). The Corridor was laid out as a right-of-way by the Railroad Commission in 1844, and the Department of Transportation ("DOT") took full ownership of the Corridor pursuant to a 1991 statute, RSA 228:60-a, V. At approximately 58 miles long, the Northern Rail Trail (the "Rail Trail") is the longest rail-to-trail conversion in the State, and it has been managed by the Department of Cultural and Environmental Resources ("DNCR") since 1998.
In early 2026, DOT became aware of evidence that Caron was driving vehicles from his abutting parcels into the Rail Trail, including over a railroad bridge. Because vehicles are prohibited on the Rail Trail and the bridge is not safe for such use, in March 2026, DOT sent Caron a cease-and-desist. Caron, through counsel, refused this demand and challenged DOT's authority to operate a Rail Trail in the Corridor. DOT responded with the grounds for its authority and renewed its demand that Caron cease dangerous vehicular use in the Corridor. In retaliation, over Memorial Day Weekend, Caron erected concrete barriers to prevent members of the public from accessing a one-mile portion of the Rail Trail. In doing so, Caron used heavy excavating machinery in order to pull up a portion of the historical railroad ties running alongside the Rail Trail.
The civil complaint sets forth the historical and statutory basis for DOT's ownership of the Rail Corridor and asserts three theories in the alternative for why DOT possesses the authority to operate the Rail Trail thereon. It seeks to quiet title to the Rail Corridor and obtain a judicial declaration of DOT's ownership. Additionally, the complaint sets forth claims for trespass, nuisance, and negligence seeking damages for Caron's destruction of DOT's property and interference with the Rail Trail. With its complaint, DOJ has asked the court to issue expended injunctive relief to reopen the rail trail to the public.
The complaints and the allegations contained herein are merely accusations that DOJ must prove at trial.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/attorney-general-formella-files-lawsuit-remove-concrete-barriers-blocking-northern
Md. A.G. Brown Urges ICE to Halt Williamsport Warehouse Plan Given Ongoing Concerns About Environmental Impacts
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 2 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Urges ICE to Halt Williamsport Warehouse Plan Given Ongoing Concerns About Environmental Impacts
Supported by Heads of Four Maryland State Agencies Warning of Environmental and Public Health Dangers
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt its plan to convert a vacant warehouse in Washington County into a 1,500-bed immigration detention facility,
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 2 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Urges ICE to Halt Williamsport Warehouse Plan Given Ongoing Concerns About Environmental Impacts
Supported by Heads of Four Maryland State Agencies Warning of Environmental and Public Health Dangers
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt its plan to convert a vacant warehouse in Washington County into a 1,500-bed immigration detention facility,citing ongoing and unresolved concerns about the project's environmental impacts.
In formal comments submitted today to ICE, Attorney General Brown argues that the agency must prepare a full Environmental Impact Statement rather than a more limited Environmental Assessment and urges ICE to instead consider selling the property.
Attorney General Brown's letter is reinforced by a companion letter from the heads of Maryland's Department of the Environment, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Department of Health, which details substantive concerns about the project's effects on local waterways, infrastructure, and public health, and notes that ICE has not made available a number of studies it says it relied on in developing its proposal.
Both letters were submitted together in response to ICE's Scoping Notice for an Environmental Assessment of the proposed conversion of the warehouse at 16220 Wright Road in Hagerstown.
The submission follows a federal court's April 2026 ruling that ICE had violated the National Environmental Policy Act in its initial push to convert the property.
Copies of both letters are available here (https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Urges-ICE-to-Halt-Williamsport-Warehouse-Plan-Given-Ongoing-Concerns-About-Environmental-Impacts-.aspx).
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Urges-ICE-to-Halt-Williamsport-Warehouse-Plan-Given-Ongoing-Concerns-About-Environmental-Impacts-.aspx
Attorney General Liz Murrill Announces Medicaid Fraud Bust, New Division, and $73 million in Ordered Restitution
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, July 2 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news on July 1, 2026:
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BREAKING: Attorney General Liz Murrill Announces Medicaid Fraud Bust, New Division, and $73 million in Ordered Restitution
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Today, Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the arrest of 21 individuals on charges of Medicaid fraud or cruelty to those in need of care. The operation was conducted by General Murrill's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), which she also announced has been elevated to a standalone division within the Louisiana Department of Justice. The change strengthens
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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, July 2 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news on July 1, 2026:
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BREAKING: Attorney General Liz Murrill Announces Medicaid Fraud Bust, New Division, and $73 million in Ordered Restitution
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Today, Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the arrest of 21 individuals on charges of Medicaid fraud or cruelty to those in need of care. The operation was conducted by General Murrill's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), which she also announced has been elevated to a standalone division within the Louisiana Department of Justice. The change strengthensthe state's efforts to investigate, prosecute, and recover taxpayer dollars lost to fraud, waste, and abuse.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, as well as abuse and neglect involving vulnerable individuals in healthcare facilities. The Unit receives cases from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Louisiana Department of Health, and other sources.
Since taking office, General Murrill has indicted, arrested, or charged 95 individuals for programmatic offenses, including Medicaid fraud and abuse and neglect in residential facilities. She has also secured 105 convictions and over $73 million in ordered restitution. While not part of MFCU, the Attorney General has also secured the arrest of 37 recipients for fraudulently receiving Medicaid benefits. As the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation investigates Medicaid recipient fraud for the LADOJ.
"I will not stop until the people's money is returned and those who break the law face Louisiana justice. The men and women of Louisiana get up and go to work every single day to provide for their families. Their tax dollars are intended for those in need. Nothing is more offensive than those who manipulate the system for their own benefit," said Attorney General Murrill.
"The Louisiana Department of Health remains dedicated to reducing fraud, waste, and abuse. Just this year, LDH's Program Integrity Unit has reviewed over 4,200 complaints of provider and beneficiary fraud, and through its reviews identified or recovered over $9 million in overpayments and penalties. We removed over 100 providers from the Medicaid program based on wrongful conduct and referred almost 375 cases to the Attorney General's MFCU and Bureau of Investigation for full investigation and prosecution of providers and beneficiaries. We stand with the Attorney General's vigilance against wrongful actors, and LDH remains committed to stop money from going out the door, leaving more resources for those that truly need them," said Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein.
Matt Stafford, who currently leads the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, has been promoted to director of the new division, which underscores General Murrill's commitment to strengthening Louisiana's fight against Medicaid fraud and protecting taxpayers.
The arrests and the creation of the new division also reflect the growing national crackdown on Medicaid fraud by the Trump administration and Attorneys General across the country. To support these efforts, Vice President J.D. Vance and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz recently announced a "full-scale war on fraud" with the creation of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Louisiana remains a proud partner in these efforts and will continue aggressively pursuing those who steal taxpayer dollars and exploit programs intended to serve those most in need of assistance.
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ARREST DOCUMENTS AND INFO:
* A complete list of the Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit arrests made as part of this operation can be found here.
* A summary of all Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit cases included in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown can be found here.
* A parish-by-parish list of the suspects, including where they are from and where the crimes occurred, can be found here.
The Louisiana MFCU receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $10,000,340 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 25/26. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $3,333,443 for FY 25/26, is funded by Louisiana.
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Original text here: https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/556
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Secures Stipulation Halting Conversion of Surprise Facility Into ICE Detention Center
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 2 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Secures Stipulation Halting Conversion of Surprise Facility Into ICE Detention Center
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that Arizona has reached a stipulated agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE pausing efforts to convert a Surprise property into an immigration detention center until required environmental review is complete.
"This agreement is a significant win for the people of Surprise and for the rule of law,"
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PHOENIX, Arizona, July 2 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Secures Stipulation Halting Conversion of Surprise Facility Into ICE Detention Center
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that Arizona has reached a stipulated agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE pausing efforts to convert a Surprise property into an immigration detention center until required environmental review is complete.
"This agreement is a significant win for the people of Surprise and for the rule of law,"said Attorney General Mayes. "Federal agencies must complete the environmental review process required by federal law before moving forward with these types of projects. My office will keep fighting to ensure the law is followed. "
The agreement, filed jointly on June 30, 2026 grows out of the AG Mayes' April 2026 lawsuit alleging the federal government moved forward on the Sweetwater Avenue facility without completing review required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Under the agreement, pending court approval, Defendants agree not to detain anyone at the facility or take steps to physically convert it -- including construction, demolition, or retrofitting -- until a final environmental assessment is completed.
The stipulation pauses the litigation while the federal government conducts the environmental review, but if necessary, the State reserves the right to challenge the adequacy of the review.
A copy of the stipulation is available (https://us.list-manage.com/19tKkcIUFEZ?e=9153ff6c96&c2id=9a759fc70c6d734a91a2647ef652fab2).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-secures-stipulation-halting-conversion-surprise-facility-ice
Ahead of Meta Trial, N.J. A.G. Davenport Secures Critical Win
TRENTON, New Jersey, July 2 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following statement on June 30, 2026:
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Ahead of Meta Trial, Attorney General Davenport Secures Critical Win
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today issued a statement after a court fully denied an attempt by Meta Platforms, Inc., to obtain summary judgment and cleared the way for the case brought by New Jersey and attorneys general nationwide to proceed to trial.
The lawsuit, which is currently set for trial in August 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California,
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TRENTON, New Jersey, July 2 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following statement on June 30, 2026:
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Ahead of Meta Trial, Attorney General Davenport Secures Critical Win
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today issued a statement after a court fully denied an attempt by Meta Platforms, Inc., to obtain summary judgment and cleared the way for the case brought by New Jersey and attorneys general nationwide to proceed to trial.
The lawsuit, which is currently set for trial in August 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California,alleges that the company designed Facebook and Instagram to maximize profits while ensnaring children for longer and longer periods of time on the social media platforms. As the lawsuit asserts, Meta designed and deployed harmful features on its platforms, addicting children and teens to their severe mental and physical detriment while misleading the public regarding these risks.
In its decision, the federal district court rejected Meta's motion for summary judgment, allowing the claims brought by New Jersey and the bipartisan coalition of attorneys general to proceed to trial. The court also agreed with New Jersey that Meta did not obtain parental consent in a manner sufficient to satisfy the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a federal law that protects the online privacy of children under 13 years old.
"We are thrilled that a federal district court has ruled that our case against Meta will proceed to trial," said Attorney General Davenport. "For years, Meta has failed to protect kids on Facebook and Instagram, endangering their mental health while profiting at their expense. Our office is proud to co-lead this case against Meta on behalf of a bipartisan coalition of state AGs, and we look forward to proving our case against Meta in court."
In 2023, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General sued Meta, alleging that the company designed and deployed harmful features on Instagram and Facebook to addict children and teens. The lawsuit alleges that Meta violated federal and state laws, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.
The trial in this case is scheduled to start in August. Jury selection starts on August 12, and opening statements are on August 18 in Oakland, California.
View Summary Judgment Order (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-0630_Summary-Judgment-Order.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ahead-of-meta-trial-attorney-general-davenport-secures-critical-win/
