News from June 2024
AG Nessel reviews DTE's waiver request concerning new outage credit rules
LANSING – Last week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a notice of intervention in DTE Electric’s recent permanent waiver request before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). DTE seeks to change the current outage credit process for select customers whose homes are not equipped with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), also known as smart meters. DTE argues that learning of outages affecting customers with traditional electric meters and applying the now mandatory outage credits to their bills is too difficult without direct customer action. The rules...
Attorneys general oppose Biden's policy on Palestinian deferred enforced departure
Attorney General Griffin Leads 18-State Letter Calling for President Biden to Reverse Palestinian Amnesty Policy
Washington Commanders reach $1.3 million settlement over unreturned ticket deposits
Attorney General Miyares Announces $1.3 Million Settlement with Washington Commanders for Unreturned Ticket Deposits
Justice Department files statements supporting disabled voters' rights in two states
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed statements of interest in federal courts in Ohio and Alabama to promote the correct and uniform interpretation of voting laws protecting the rights of voters with disabilities. These statements are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the voting rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities, are safeguarded.
Club Q shooter sentenced to life for hate crimes and firearm offenses
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division announced that Anderson Lee Aldrich, 24, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to 74 hate crimes and firearms charges related to the November 19, 2022 mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQI+ establishment in Colorado Springs.
Federal judge issues injunction against EEOC's interpretation of Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
A federal judge has sided with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, issuing a preliminary injunction against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) interpretation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. In May, the Attorneys General filed a complaint against the EEOC's attempt to impose what they described as a national abortion regime.
Justice Department finds Utah violates ADA by segregating individuals with disabilities
The Justice Department announced today its findings that Utah is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by unnecessarily segregating youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) during the day, instead of helping them find work and spend their days in their communities.
Justice Department finds Missouri violated ADA by institutionalizing adults with mental health disabilities
The Justice Department announced today its findings that the State of Missouri violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by unnecessarily institutionalizing adults with mental health disabilities in nursing facilities. The investigation also examined the role of guardianships in such institutionalization.
Attorneys general reach $700 million settlement with J&J over talc product claims
Attorney General Kaul and Coalition Reach $700 Million Agreement Against Johnson and Johnson
Attorney General Kaul begins tour after awarding grants from state opioid settlement
MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul today began a series of visits to law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin that have received grants from state opioid settlement funds secured by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). Twelve Tribal nations, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies were awarded grants for projects aimed at preventing and reducing the dangers associated with opioid use. This grant program is part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (DHS) strategy to utilize the state's share of the National Prescription Opiate Litigation...
America First Legal announces legal challenge against Biden’s immigration executive order
America First Legal (AFL) has announced its intention to pursue legal action in response to President Biden's recent executive order, which grants amnesty and a pathway to citizenship for a significant number of undocumented immigrants in the United States. AFL claims that this move undermines the efforts of those who immigrate legally and exceeds the President's authority.
Oklahoma establishes fund to aid domestic abuse victims
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 18, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond praised Gov. Stitt for his signing last week of Senate Bill 2039, which establishes the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Revolving Fund and ensures funding to domestic violence is distributed where the need is greatest.
Former Colorado resident sentenced to life for mass shooting at Club Q
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced today that Anderson Lee Aldrich has been sentenced to 55 life sentences running concurrently plus 190 years, without the possibility of parole. This sentencing follows Aldrich's involvement in a mass shooting at Club Q on November 19, 2022, which resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries. The attack was described as one of the most violent hate crimes targeting the LGBTQIA+ community in U.S. history.
Equal Rights Amendment reinstated on New York ballot for November 2024
New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement following the unanimous decision by the Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department to reinstate the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) on the ballot for November 2024.
California officials settle $500K case over illegal child data collection
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto have announced a $500,000 settlement with Tilting Point Media LLC. The settlement resolves allegations that the company violated the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting and sharing children’s data without parental consent through their mobile app game “SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off.”
Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board opens applications for third round
TOPEKA – The Kansas Fights Addiction (KFA) Grant Review Board has approved a third round of funding, totaling $6 million, to support substance use disorder (SUD) services across the state, announced Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.
Court blocks Biden administration's Title IX redefinition
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 18, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond praised a recent ruling by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that ensures Oklahoma schools and universities will continue to separate bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports based on sex assigned at birth.
Johnson & Johnson pays Washington State governments $123M following AG Ferguson's opioid lawsuit
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that Washington state, city, and county governments received a $123.34 million payment from Johnson & Johnson as part of the state's litigation against companies involved in the opioid crisis. The funds are to be split evenly between state and local governments and used to combat the opioid epidemic.
Attorney General announces over $4.7M funding for Central NY from JUUL Settlement
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced over $4.7 million for Central New York from a historic $462 million multistate settlement with JUUL Labs Inc. (JUUL). This settlement addresses the youth vaping epidemic that led to a significant rise in underage e-cigarette use nationwide. New York state will receive a total of $112.7 million, which will be distributed across counties, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and the five largest cities in the state to support programs aimed at reducing and preventing underage vaping.
Attorney General Mayes comments on Cochise County election interference rulings
Attorney General Mayes Releases Statement on Rulings in Cochise County Election Interference Case