Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
Featured Stories
W.Va. A.G. McCuskey, Coalition of AGs Urge SEC to Review OpenAI
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 14 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Attorney General McCuskey, coalition of AGs urge SEC to review OpenAI
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey joined a coalition of 10 states in a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), raising concerns about OpenAI going public and the integrity of public markets. Led by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the coalition is asking the Commission to apply especially stringent scrutiny to any filings submitted by OpenAI, seeking
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 14 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Attorney General McCuskey, coalition of AGs urge SEC to review OpenAI
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey joined a coalition of 10 states in a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), raising concerns about OpenAI going public and the integrity of public markets. Led by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the coalition is asking the Commission to apply especially stringent scrutiny to any filings submitted by OpenAI, seekingto protect the legal rights of state investment funds that provide retirement benefits for public employees. In addition, the states are working to protect citizens from fraud that could impact individual investments.
The states are asking for stricter scrutiny of OpenAI's filing because of questionable business practices by the company's founder and CEO, Sam Altman, who has "a history of self-dealing and serious conflicts of interest that have created significant risk for the company.
To protect investors and ensure fair and orderly markets, the Commission must not permit that apparent misconduct to persist if OpenAI goes public," according to the letter.
"When individuals and states invest in the public market, we need to be vigilant that those monies are being handled in the most credible way possible. People work hard, save and invest to provide for their future. We want to protect the money invested to finance public employees' retirement funds. We need to ensure that these investments are protected from fraud," Attorney General McCuskey said.
The coalition stressed that complete disclosure is essential for investors, including state residents and public pension funds, to make informed decisions regarding OpenAI's stock.
West Virginia was joined by Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska and Oklahoma in the Montana-led letter, which can be read here (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.list-manage.com%2Fdu8SG5qe03f%3Fe%3D63c6a19f3f%26c2id%3D858b6dd1a6cd1b812da6f429adb1c079&data=05%7C02%7Cacantrell%40wvago.gov%7C4c71ba135d55422b9d6d08deb0f9bdcd%7C3a89d8fc1c954f00b5a42f0551f6bfde%7C0%7C0%7C639142783869566495%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QaVqHFKmZDAi3Sd%2F9VjQZhgyYWVfe1TsRm1Vm7jBZoI%3D&reserved=0).
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Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov/article/attorney-general-mccuskey-coalition-ags-urge-sec-review-openai
W.Va. A.G. McCuskey Defends State Court Independence in High-Stakes Virginia Redistricting Case
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 14 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Attorney General McCuskey Defends State Court Independence in High-Stakes Virginia Redistricting Case
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today urging the Court to reject Virginia legislators' attempt to bypass their own state court system and have federal judges override a ruling on Virginia's constitution.
Attorney General McCuskey filed the "friend of the court" brief to ask the Supreme Court
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 14 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Attorney General McCuskey Defends State Court Independence in High-Stakes Virginia Redistricting Case
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today urging the Court to reject Virginia legislators' attempt to bypass their own state court system and have federal judges override a ruling on Virginia's constitution.
Attorney General McCuskey filed the "friend of the court" brief to ask the Supreme Courtto reject the emergency application to pause the Virginia Supreme Court's decision that found the legislature failed to follow the state constitution's required process for amending it.
West Virginia's argument is simple - no federal question exists. The matter was settled in the Virginia Supreme Court.
"Virginia democrats are wrong on issues and wrong on this egregious attempt to alter the outcome of their elections. The Virginia Supreme Court struck down the attempt as unconstitutional and that should be the final say on this matter. State courts should decide state constitutional issues, and we are committed to defending that process," Attorney General McCuskey said.
Virginia legislators in this case are asking the Supreme Court to freeze the ruling now to prevent the election being run under the old maps by default. Virginia's primary election is August 4. Absentee ballots must go out 45 days before the election, so ballots must be finalized by May 28.
Attorney General McCuskey's brief argues that allowing federal courts to second-guess state constitutional rulings whenever a losing party invokes a federal argument would weaken state court independence nationwide. Additionally, the brief argues that a stay would cause chaos and confusion in the upcoming election. The simpler and more stable process would be running the upcoming election the same as the last one.
The amicus brief was filed in the United States Supreme Court by West Virginia's Solicitor General. Read the brief here (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.list-manage.com%2FG7nniajik24%3Fe%3D63c6a19f3f%26c2id%3D858b6dd1a6cd1b812da6f429adb1c079&data=05%7C02%7Cacantrell%40wvago.gov%7C198b3e3b683945bd511108deb116ecaf%7C3a89d8fc1c954f00b5a42f0551f6bfde%7C0%7C0%7C639142909206790567%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=a6kh8u8lG3W6V5XTs%2BvVuyCV%2BN2Rd7hpOP0YW4L%2FuiM%3D&reserved=0).
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Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov/article/attorney-general-mccuskey-defends-state-court-independence-high-stakes-virginia
S.D. A.G. Jackley Joins Amicus Brief Requesting U.S. Supreme Court Uphold Stay on Mifepristone Requirements
PIERRE, South Dakota, May 14 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on May 12, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Joins Amicus Brief Requesting U.S. Supreme Court Uphold Stay on Mifepristone Requirements
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces he has joined 22 other Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief requesting the U.S. Supreme Court uphold a lower court's stay of a federal regulation that removed the longstanding in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.
The brief supports the state of Louisiana,
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PIERRE, South Dakota, May 14 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on May 12, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Joins Amicus Brief Requesting U.S. Supreme Court Uphold Stay on Mifepristone Requirements
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces he has joined 22 other Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief requesting the U.S. Supreme Court uphold a lower court's stay of a federal regulation that removed the longstanding in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.
The brief supports the state of Louisiana,which is suing the federal Food and Drug Administration for a 2023 rule that removed the in-person dispensing requirement. That allowed the drug to be shipped across state lines.
"South Dakota lawmakers and citizens have said repeatedly they want stronger rules for the distribution of this drug," said Attorney General Jackley.
"The states, not the federal government, should make their own decisions on this dangerous drug."
Nebraska filed the brief. Other states involved were Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The brief can be found here (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3074X)
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3074
Okla. A.G. Drummond Hails New Law Strengthening Protections for Peeping Tom Victims
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 14 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Drummond hails new law strengthening protections for peeping tom victims
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today applauded the signing of House Bill 4104, which strengthens penalties for repeat peeping tom and secret recording offenses and requires those convicted to register as sex offenders.
"Victims of peeping toms deserve stronger protection, and Oklahoma has now made it clear that this is a serious offense.
House Bill 4104 ensures that those who commit
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 14 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Drummond hails new law strengthening protections for peeping tom victims
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today applauded the signing of House Bill 4104, which strengthens penalties for repeat peeping tom and secret recording offenses and requires those convicted to register as sex offenders.
"Victims of peeping toms deserve stronger protection, and Oklahoma has now made it clear that this is a serious offense.
House Bill 4104 ensures that those who committhese crimes are held accountable as the sex offenders they are.
The public deserves to know, and this law gives us the tools to make that happen."
House Bill 4104, authored by Rep. Ross Ford and Sen. Todd Gollihare, was requested by the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board, which is staffed by the Office of the Attorney General.
The legislation takes effect Nov. 1.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/may/drummond-hails-new-law-strengthening-protections-for-peeping-tom-victims.html
N.J. A.G. Davenport: State Medical Board Temporarily Suspends License of Bergen County Physician Who Disregarded Requirements for Authorizing Medical Marijuana for Children and Adults
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 14 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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State Medical Board Temporarily Suspends License of Bergen County Physician Who Disregarded Requirements for Authorizing Medical Marijuana for Children and Adults
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced that the State Board of Medical Examiners ("Board") has temporarily suspended the license of Bergen County physician Alfred D. Kulik after finding he disregarded the requirements for authorizing medical marijuana for
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TRENTON, New Jersey, May 14 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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State Medical Board Temporarily Suspends License of Bergen County Physician Who Disregarded Requirements for Authorizing Medical Marijuana for Children and Adults
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced that the State Board of Medical Examiners ("Board") has temporarily suspended the license of Bergen County physician Alfred D. Kulik after finding he disregarded the requirements for authorizing medical marijuana forchildren and adults.
"Illegal and unsafe medical practices that put patients, and especially kids, in harm's way have no place in our state. Indiscriminate medical marijuana authorization can lead to serious health problems, especially for kids and young adults. We have safeguards built into our medical marijuana laws for a reason, and compliance is mandatory, not optional," said Attorney General Davenport. "Suspending this doctor's license while the case is pending ensures that he will have no contact with patients while these very serious allegations are being heard."
In March 2026, the Attorney General filed a Verified Complaint alleging that Kulik, a Fort Lee practitioner and registered participant in New Jersey's Medical Cannabis Program, authorizes medical marijuana for approximately 95% of his patients, 10% of whom are under the age of 18. Most of the underage patients are between the ages of six and twelve. The Complaint also alleges that Kulik never refuses to authorize medical marijuana for any patient, child or adult, including for children when pediatricians are unwilling to do so.
Following a request by the Attorney General, the Board has now granted an immediate temporary suspension of Kulik's license. Kulik's license to practice medicine and surgery in the State of New Jersey will remain suspended pending the outcome of a full plenary hearing in the Office of Administrative Law and further action by the Board.
"Safeguarding patients-especially children-from unsafe and unlawful medical practices is an important part of the Division's consumer protection mission," said Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "We thank the Board of Medical Examiners for recognizing and intervening to halt the imminent threat posed by this physician as we pursue disciplinary action against him."
The Board noted in its Order that the statutory and regulatory requirements for authorizing medical marijuana "reflect the considered judgment of the legislature and of the Board about safeguards that need to be in place before medical marijuana can be authorized." Among those requirements are that the physician establish a bona fide physician-patient relationship, conduct a physical examination of the patient, and consult the medical records maintained by other treating physicians reflecting the patient's reaction and response to conventional medical therapies.
"It is abundantly clear that Respondent has totally disregarded essentially all the Board's requirements that apply to the authorization of medical marijuana," the Board found.
Specifically, the Board noted, Kulik testified that he often authorizes medical marijuana after only the first patient visit and described the physical examination of his patients as "meaningless." He also testified that he does not, in all cases, consult with other physicians who are treating the patient's underlying conditions, does not take responsibility for the patient's condition nor work as part of a treatment team, and does not review prescribing records or blood work to determine whether authorization of medical marijuana is both safe and appropriate.
The State was represented in this matter by Deputy Attorney General Daniel Evan Leef Hewitt, under the supervision of Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section, within the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group of the Division of Law.
Order of Temporary Suspension (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-0513_Kulik-Temp-Suspension-Order.pdf) | Verified Complaint (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-0513_kulik-Verified-Complaint-filed-March-30-2026.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/state-medical-board-temporarily-suspends-license-of-bergen-county-physician-who-disregarded-requirements-for-authorizing-medical-marijuana-for-children-and-adults/
N.J. A.G. Davenport Urges Trump Administration Not to Open the Door to Addictive Flavored Vapes
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 14 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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AG Davenport Urges Trump Administration Not to Open the Door to Addictive Flavored Vapes
New Jersey Asks FDA to Continue Scrutinizing Vapes That Appeal to Kids
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that she joined a bipartisan coalition of 21 attorneys general urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to abandon draft guidance that would ease approvals for flavored e-cigarette products, widely understood to disproportionately worsen
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TRENTON, New Jersey, May 14 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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AG Davenport Urges Trump Administration Not to Open the Door to Addictive Flavored Vapes
New Jersey Asks FDA to Continue Scrutinizing Vapes That Appeal to Kids
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that she joined a bipartisan coalition of 21 attorneys general urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to abandon draft guidance that would ease approvals for flavored e-cigarette products, widely understood to disproportionately worsenyouth addiction.
"New Jersey is a leader in the fight to protect kids from dangerously addictive flavored vapes, but the Trump Administration's rush to weaken core public health protections at the federal level makes it clear that they are prioritizing corporate profits over kids' health," said Attorney General Davenport. "Developing minds are uniquely susceptible to the effects of nicotine, and for years, the government's own science has found that flavored vapes create a pathway for teens to get hooked. Our kids deserve better."
Two months ago, on March 11, the FDA released draft guidance that would ignore years of evidence and ease the path to approval for certain flavored products. Ignoring the FDA's own science and history, the guidance claims that certain flavors such as coffees, tea, spices, menthol, and mint are "lower risk" flavors for youth addiction. In reality, extensive research shows that flavored products of all kinds are favored by youth over unflavored tobacco.
In their letter, the attorneys general urge FDA to scrap the draft guidance and to continue its scrutiny of all flavors to protect public health.
Federal law requires that all e-cigarette products receive authorization from the FDA before they can be legally marketed or sold in the United States. To date, the FDA has authorized only 45 e-cigarette products. Until May 5, 2026, FDA had approved no flavors other than tobacco or menthol.
Nonetheless, despite such limited authorization, hundreds of thousands of e-cigarette varieties in multitudes of flavors are already currently available for purchase in flagrant violation of state and federal laws.
In recent weeks, the FDA has only contributed further to the problem. On May 5, the FDA approved two fruit-flavored products. In addition, on May 8, the FDA also issued a press release announcing it would not prioritize enforcement against vapes and nicotine pouches marketed without necessary FDA authorization.
The FDA's abdication of its responsibility stands in stark contrast to New Jersey's leadership on this issue. In January 2020, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to prohibit the sale and distribution of flavored vape products. In 2022, New Jersey joined 34 states and territories in reaching a $438.5 million agreement with JUUL Labs, resolving a two-year bipartisan investigation into the e-cigarette manufacturer's marketing and sales practices. In addition to the financial terms, the settlement forced JUUL to comply with a series of strict injunctive terms severely limiting their marketing and sales practices.
Attorney General Davenport was joined by the attorneys general of Connecticut, Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
View Letter (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-0512_Attorneys-General-May-11-2026-Comment-Letter-to-FDA-re-Lower-Risk-Flavored-ENDS.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-urges-trump-administration-not-to-open-the-door-to-addictive-flavored-vapes/
Ga. A.G. Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 14 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation
TATTNALL COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced the indictment of former Smith State Prison Warden Brian Adams, 52, of Waycross, for his alleged involvement in a contraband smuggling operation tied to inmate Nathan Weekes and a prison gang known as YSL Squad.
"Those who work in our prisons are expected to protect Georgians from the most dangerous criminals, not become one themselves,"
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ATLANTA, Georgia, May 14 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 13, 2026:
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Carr Indicts Former Prison Warden in Contraband Smuggling Operation
TATTNALL COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced the indictment of former Smith State Prison Warden Brian Adams, 52, of Waycross, for his alleged involvement in a contraband smuggling operation tied to inmate Nathan Weekes and a prison gang known as YSL Squad.
"Those who work in our prisons are expected to protect Georgians from the most dangerous criminals, not become one themselves,"said Attorney General Chris Carr. "Using a state position to profit off gang activity and contraband, if proven, is completely inexcusable and will lead to prosecution by our office. Public corruption at any level will not be tolerated."
This case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
"As warden of a state prison, Adams was entrusted with the solemn responsibility of holding criminals accountable and protecting the public trust. Instead, he exploited his position for personal gain," said GBI Director Chris Hosey. "We remain unwavering in our commitment to work alongside the Georgia Attorney General's Office to dismantle criminal networks and hold corrupt officials fully accountable."
Case Summary
In May 2022, Carr requested the GBI to investigate allegations of corruption at Smith State Prison. This request stemmed from evidence discovered while conducting an investigation into the death of 88-year-old Bobby Kicklighter, who was shot and killed at his home in Glennville in January 2021. Weekes, who was already in custody at Smith State Prison at the time, and several others were subsequently indicted as a result of this death investigation, which includes charges related to contraband smuggling.
In part, Adams is now charged with facilitating this smuggling operation as Warden.
Specifically, he is alleged to have acquired and maintained control of money and contraband through a pattern of racketeering activity that includes, but is not limited to, the following acts:
* Bribery: As Warden, Adams is alleged to have accepted money to move inmate Weekes out of solitary confinement. He is also alleged to have accepted money to permit contraband into Smith State Prison.
* Money Laundering: Adams is alleged to have conducted and attempted to conduct transactions involving the proceeds of unlawful activity (Bribery).
* Tampering with Evidence: As Warden, Adams is alleged to have knowingly concealed prison shanks and contraband cell phones by having them buried in his backyard in an attempt to obstruct an investigation into his activity and YSL Squad at Smith State Prison.
* False Statements: Adams is alleged to have knowingly made false statements to law enforcement in relation to an investigation into his activity and YSL Squad at Smith State Prison.
Tattnall County Indictment
The Attorney General's Prosecution Division presented evidence to a Tattnall County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment* against Brian Adams on May 13, 2026.
Specifically, Adams is facing the following charges:
* 1 count of Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
* 1 count of False Statements
* 2 counts of Tampering with Evidence
* 2 counts of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer
Find a copy of the indictment here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/051326-tattnall-county-indictmentpdf/download). No further information about the investigation or the indictment may be released at this time by the Attorney General's Office.
*Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government's burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-05-13/carr-indicts-former-prison-warden-contraband-smuggling-operation
