News from 2024
Attorneys general seek injunction against Department of Education's new Title IX rules
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman have requested a federal judge in Lexington, Kentucky to block the Department of Education’s new Title IX rule. The motion for a preliminary injunction was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. This coalition, led by Tennessee and Kentucky, is the first among 26 states suing to stop the Administration’s overhaul of Title IX to be heard in federal court.
Office releases updated presidential pardon application after year-long review
The Office of the Pardon Attorney today released a new version of its application for presidential pardons. This updated form is the result of a year-long collaboration with the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) aimed at making the application more user-friendly and accessible. A pardon can assist those who have completed their federal sentences by providing relief from the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction.
Attorney General Bonta announces $700 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a bipartisan coalition of 42 state attorneys general, announced a $700 million multistate settlement with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) for violating consumer protection laws. The company was accused of misrepresenting the safety of its talc-based products by failing to disclose the potential presence of asbestos and its associated health risks.
Ellison leads effort urging Supreme Court review on state regulation of pharmacy benefit managers
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has led a bipartisan coalition of 32 attorneys general in requesting the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on states' authority to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The coalition seeks the Court's review of a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which held that federal laws preempt Oklahoma's regulations on PBMs.
Attorney General requests rejection of clemency for Richard Rojem Jr
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 10, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond has requested that the state Pardon and Parole Board reject clemency for Richard Norman Rojem Jr., who is scheduled for execution on June 27.
Protection from abuse cases added to Maine's electronic filing system
The Maine Judicial Branch announced today the addition of Protection from Abuse (PA) and Protection from Harassment (PH) cases to eFileMaine, the electronic filing platform currently used for most civil and family cases in Bangor, Lewiston, Rumford, Farmington, and South Paris courts.
Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court holds graduation ceremony
The Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court will hold its graduation and celebration on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the Saline County District Courtroom located at 204 South High Street, Wilber, NE. The event will be presided over by Judge Richard Smith.
Labrador Letter – Daybell Trial
As I’m sure many of you have seen on the news, Chad Daybell was convicted last week on all counts, including the murders of Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow, and Tammy Daybell.
Cody McDonald Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for the Second-Degree Murder of Daniel Murillo
Judge Jarod Hofacket sentenced Cody McDonald to 18 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections for the murder of 22-year-old Daniel Murillo.
Attorney General Aaron M. Frey and Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition Announce Focus on Protecting Immigrant Communities from Phony Immigration Law Practices
Attorney General Aaron Frey and the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC) are unveiling a new resource to warn immigrant communities about the unauthorized practice of immigration law.
The Release of Decedent and Officer Names in Fatal OfficerInvolved Shooting in Montgomery County Delayed
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is delaying the release of the names of the decedent and involved Montgomery County Police officer in the May 30, 2024, fatal officer-involved shooting in Montgomery County.
Attorney General James Announces Historic Agreement with Northwell to Help More New Yorkers Receive Financial Assistance for Medical Care
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a historic agreement with Northwell Health (Northwell), New York’s largest health care network, to significantly improve and expand access to financial assistance for millions of New Yorkers at Northwell facilities and clinics across the state, including all 21 Northwell hospitals.
Montana DCI investigates officer-involved incident in Cut Bank
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently investigating an officer-involved critical incident that occurred early Saturday morning in Cut Bank. The event took place in the Pioneer Bar parking lot at 13 N. Central Avenue.
Missouri AG settles Sunshine Law lawsuit with City of Belle
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced today that his office has settled a case against the City of Belle for failing to comply with the Sunshine Law. The violations involved public meetings and included failures to provide adequate notices and tentative agendas, discussing items not on meeting agendas, inadequately keeping meeting minutes, and improperly discussing business in at least one closed session that should have been open to the public.
Attorney General Platkin Co-Leads Effort to Defend Title IX’s Protections Against Sex Discrimination in Education
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced that, together with California and Pennsylvania, they have filed the first of several amicus briefs defending Title IX, the landmark law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education, from yet another federal court challenge that threatens the rights of students in schools and colleges nationwide.
Statement on Senate Bill 591
Attorney General John M. Formella issued the following statement regarding the State Senate’s vote to concur with the House’s amendment to Senate Bill 591.
AG Nessel Alerts Consumers of Nationwide Venmo Scam
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert about payment apps and scams following reports nationwide of scammers targeting Venmo users.
Attorney General Brown Announces That No Charges Will Be Filed in December 2023 Fatal Police Pursuit in Montgomery County
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced his decision to not seek charges in the December 2023 fatal police pursuit in Montgomery County, Maryland. On December 13, 2023, at approximately 10:15 p.m., officers with the Montgomery County Police Department attempted a traffic stop on a white Nissan Maxima in the area of Georgia Avenue and Plyers Mill Road in Wheaton, Maryland.
Deputy AG Monaco hosts fourth Justice AI Initiative convening
This week, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco hosted the fourth convening of the "Justice AI Initiative," which she launched earlier this year to shape the Justice Department’s AI policy. The initiative aims to understand how AI will impact the Department’s mission to uphold the rule of law, ensure national safety, and protect civil rights. The "Justice AI" program brings together stakeholders from civil society, industry, academia, and law enforcement to discuss both the potential benefits and risks associated with AI.
Buckeye Institute urges SCOTUS to protect public employees' First Amendment rights
Columbus, OH – On Friday, The Buckeye Institute filed an amicus brief in Laird v. United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA), urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. The institute contends that government unions should not use obscure and arbitrary opt-out windows to deny public employees their First Amendment rights or illegally deduct money from paychecks after employees have left the union.