News from 2024
Administrative Office of the Courts launches podcast covering court system updates
The Administrative Office of the Courts’ Office of Communications and Public Outreach has launched a new podcast to provide the public and court community with insights into news and developments within the AOC and the Washington court system.
OVW holds pre-application session for FY 2024 campus violence reduction grants
OVW conducted a live web-based pre-application information session for its Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program solicitation. During the presentation, OVW staff reviewed the program’s requirements, discussed the solicitation, and allowed for a brief question-and-answer period.
Virginia company fined $300K for illegal wetland filling
Boyd Farm LLC and its owner, Frazier T. Boyd III, were sentenced yesterday for criminally filling wetlands in Goochland and Louisa Counties, Virginia. Boyd Farm was fined $300,000 and will serve a year of probation for a felony violation of the Clean Water Act. Boyd was sentenced to 30 days of home confinement and a year of probation.
Attorney General Bonta reaffirms support for reproductive healthcare amid legal uncertainties
California Attorney General Rob Bonta released a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Idaho v. U.S., where the court chose not to rule on whether the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) mandates hospitals to provide necessary abortion care during medical emergencies, regardless of conflicting state laws. EMTALA requires emergency departments in Medicare-participating hospitals to stabilize patients with emergency medical conditions.
Court rules FOIA denial for sensitive election data justified
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Macomb County dismissed claims brought under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) against 16 cities and townships. These claims were made following denied FOIA requests for election records containing sensitive information.
Garland reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine on Constitution Day
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered remarks in honor of Ukrainian Constitution Day, emphasizing the United States' support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.
Supreme Court halts EPA's 'good neighbor plan' amid legal challenges
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a request led by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost for an immediate stay of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) "good neighbor plan," which aims to regulate air pollution nationwide. The program, designed to protect downwind states from high levels of ozone pollution, is now on hold while litigation continues in lower courts.
Indictments announced against medical transport firms for alleged $4.4M Medicaid fraud
New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the indictments and arrests of five Medicaid-contracted transportation providers and their seven companies for allegedly stealing over $4.4 million from New York’s Medicaid program. The accused parties include Muhammad Rizwan Khan, Muhammad Usman Khan, and Farhan Khan of Orange County, along with their companies Tristate Express NY, Inc., Meditrans NY, Inc., Empire Trans NY, Inc., and A1 Class Car, Inc. They are charged with defrauding Medicaid of over $3.8 million.
OptumRx agrees to pay $20M over improper opioid prescription fillings
OptumRx Inc., a prescription drug benefit provider, has agreed to pay $20 million to resolve allegations that it improperly filled certain opioid prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.
Attorney General Ferguson responds to Supreme Court ruling on Idaho abortion ban
Attorney General Ferguson has issued a statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to send the challenge to Idaho’s near-total abortion ban back to lower courts, temporarily allowing emergency abortions to resume.
Supreme Court dismisses appeal on Idaho's near-total abortion ban
Attorney General William Tong issued a statement today regarding the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Idaho v. United States and Moyle v. United States, where the Biden Administration had challenged Idaho’s near-total abortion ban. The Supreme Court dismissed Idaho’s appeal in Moyle, which sought to overturn an injunction that renders unenforceable portions of Idaho’s abortion ban inconsistent with EMTALA requirements. Consequently, the Court lifted its temporary stay of that injunction.
Crowley man arrested for juvenile pornography following tip from NCMEC
Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Cyber Crime Unit arrested a Crowley man on June 26, 2024, for pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13.
Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon announces resignation during juvenile justice council meeting
Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon delivered remarks at the recent meeting of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, expressing gratitude for the council's work over the past two years. "I also want to take this opportunity to thank the council for all the work you’ve been doing over the last two years," Solomon stated.
Leadership changes announced at Delaware Department of Justice
Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced Thursday that State Prosecutor Dan Logan will succeed Alex Mackler as the Department of Justice’s Chief Deputy Attorney General. Mackler, who has served as CDAG for more than five years, will serve as counsel on President Biden’s reelection campaign.
Supreme Court sends Idaho v. United States back to lower courts
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum issued a statement on June 27, 2024, regarding the Supreme Court's opinion in Idaho v. United States.
Attorney General urges Senate passage of Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody, along with a coalition of 20 state attorneys general, is urging the United States Senate to pass the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act (ICC Act). The legislation, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis, aims to deter the International Criminal Court from asserting unlawful authority.
North Carolina passes bill addressing AI-related sex crimes
Attorney General Josh Stein today issued a statement following the passage of H591 by the General Assembly. The legislation aims to modernize North Carolina’s sex crimes laws to address threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI) to children and families. The bill passed both the House and Senate unanimously and is now set to be reviewed by the Governor.
Attorney General comments on execution of Richard Rojem Jr
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 27, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond made a statement today following the execution of Richard Rojem Jr. The death row inmate was convicted and sentenced to die for the July 1984 kidnapping, rape, and murder of his 7-year-old former stepdaughter, Layla Dawn Cummings, in Washita County.
Supreme Court allows emergency abortion care in Idaho
New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement following the United States Supreme Court's decision to dismiss petitions for certiorari in Idaho v. U.S. and Moyle v. U.S. The court allowed a preliminary injunction by the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho to remain, permitting hospitals in Idaho to provide emergency abortion care as mandated by the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
Supreme Court dismisses petitions challenging EMTALA's application amid state abortion bans
The U.S. Supreme Court today issued an opinion dismissing the petitions for certiorari in Moyle v. United States and United States v. Idaho as improvidently granted. These cases address the interaction between the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which mandates Medicare-funded hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment for patients with emergency medical conditions, and Idaho’s Defense of Life Act, a post-Dobbs law criminalizing most abortions.