News from July 2024
Attorney General Garland commemorates 60th anniversary of Civil Rights Act
The Justice Department issued a statement today from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964:
Pierce County judge orders confinement of sex offender under predator law
TACOMA — A Pierce County Superior Court judge found probable cause to transfer a sex offender to McNeil Island after the Washington Attorney General’s Office filed a petition to prevent his release to the community.
Scammers Targeting Nebraska Nonprofits with Fraudulent Refunds
Individual Americans donated more than $326 billion in 2023, according to Giving USA's Annual Report on Philanthropy.
Federal judge rules against Biden's LNG export ban
On Monday, July 1, U.S. Federal Judge James Cain Jr. of the Western District of Louisiana issued a preliminary injunction in favor of Louisiana's lawsuit against President Joe Biden and the United States Department of Energy over the decision to ban new liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to non-free trade agreement (FTA) countries. The ruling lifts the LNG export ban effective immediately.
8th Circuit rules on United States vs. Steven Pinto case
The United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit has ruled on United States vs. Steven Pinto, cases numbered 21-3454 and 21-3461.
DOJ seeks public input for 2024 environmental justice strategic plan
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is in the process of drafting an Environmental Justice Strategic Plan, which will outline the department's vision, goals, and priority actions to advance environmental justice. This initiative follows Executive Order 14096, aimed at revitalizing the nation's commitment to environmental justice for all. Draft goals and objectives for the DOJ's strategic plan are available on the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) website.
U.S. Supreme Court upholds presidential immunity in landmark decision
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed approval of the U.S. Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in Trump v. United States, which overturned the D.C. Circuit’s ruling that former President Donald Trump has no immunity from criminal prosecution. The majority opinion stated that "our constitutional structure of separated powers" grants a former President certain absolute and presumptive immunities from criminal prosecution for official acts conducted during their presidency.
U.S. Marshals locate 200 missing children during national operation
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), in collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies across seven federal judicial districts and geographical locations in the United States, concluded a six-week national operation that resulted in locating 200 critically missing children. The operation, titled "Operation We Will Find You 2" (OWWFY2), ran from May 20 to June 24 and targeted areas with high concentrations of missing children.
California enacts new law requiring transparent pricing without hidden fees
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a statement and information for consumers following the implementation of Senate Bill 478 (SB 478) on July 1, 2024. SB 478, also known as the "Honest Pricing Law" or "Hidden Fees Statute," mandates that businesses must include all required fees or charges in their advertised prices, excluding certain government taxes and shipping costs.
Attorney General Todd Rokita supports Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity
Attorney General Todd Rokita has issued a statement regarding the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision granting former President Donald Trump immunity for official actions taken while in office.
Justice Department settles discrimination lawsuit over blocked Louisiana affordable housing project
The Justice Department announced today that the Town of Franklinton, Louisiana, has agreed to pay $230,000 in damages and civil penalties to settle allegations that it violated the Fair Housing Act by blocking a proposed affordable housing development for low-income tenants in a predominantly white part of Franklinton.
North Dakota Court System seeks juvenile court officer I for Fargo
The North Dakota Court System has announced an opening for the position of Juvenile Court Officer I in Fargo, ND. The full-time role offers a monthly salary of $5,452 and is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Applications will be accepted until July 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM Central Time.
AG Yost introduces new training video on identifying human trafficking
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the launch of a new training scenario for EMS workers, the fourth in a series of videos aimed at helping health-care professionals and first responders identify and respond to human trafficking situations.
Attorney General Bonta issues warning about rising text-based toll charge scams
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert following an increase in text-based scams claiming consumers owe express lane or toll charges and asking for online payment. Bonta urges Californians not to click on links in texts that appear to alert consumers to overdue toll charges. FasTrak, the electronic toll collection system used statewide in California, does not request payment by text with a link to a website. The consumer alert includes tips on how to identify and avoid toll charge scams and what to do if one becomes a victim of this fraudulent...
California DOJ investigates Downey officer-involved shooting under AB 1506
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating an officer-involved shooting (OIS) in Downey, California. The incident, which resulted in one fatality, occurred on June 29, 2024, at approximately 6:15 p.m. and involved the Downey Police Department.
Hewlett Foundation accused of funding controversial DEI initiatives
WASHINGTON, D.C. – America First Legal (AFL) has released research obtained through collaboration with the American Accountability Foundation, alleging that the Hewlett Foundation is spending millions to support "illegal and racist" Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This financial support reportedly includes funding organizations that encourage efforts to take over higher education institutions in support of regimes such as Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other anti-Semitic actors.
Ohio appeals court rules on burden of proof in texting-while-driving cases
The Fifth District Court of Appeals in Ohio has ruled that drivers charged with texting while driving must prove if any exceptions to the law apply. The state law against distracted driving includes 13 exceptions, such as texting police during an emergency or while parked due to a road closure.
Supreme Court cites The Bucky Inst.'s brief in landmark rulings
Columbus, OH – In the U.S. Supreme Court term that ended on July 1, 2024, The Buckeye Institute’s influence at the court was further cemented with numerous citations in the court’s ruling in Culley v. Marshall. Additionally, The Buckeye Institute, the U.S. Constitution, and liberty all scored important victories in seven cases before the high court.
Justice Department announces major crackdown on health care fraud
Health care fraud is a crime that impacts every American. It siphons off hard-earned tax dollars meant to provide care for the vulnerable and disabled. When health care providers and executives place greed above patients’ needs, it increases the cost of care for all Americans. Even worse, as the prosecutions announced on Thursday highlight, health care fraud can harm patients and fuel addiction.
Attorney General Josh Stein shares tips for youth online safety during summer break
Attorney General Josh Stein today shared tips to help families encourage children to stay safe online over the summer. The average eight- to 12-year-old spends between four and six hours online each day, while teenagers spend up to nine hours. While young people across the state enjoy time off from school, they may find themselves online for longer periods.