Join Troutman Pepper Locke attorney Ashley Taylor, the co-leader of the firm’s State Attorneys General team, as he participates in part two of the American Bar Association’s State and Local Government Law Section webinar series titled “State Attorneys General Enforcement Actions and Litigation: The Unwritten Rules.” This session will focus on the “Multistate Investigations and Settlements” chapter from the recently published book, Consumer Protection: Understanding Enforcement Actions Brought by State Attorneys General. The webinar aims to delve into the complexities and nuances of enforcement actions initiated by consumer protection staff within state attorneys general offices.

One of many provisions in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, would place a 10-year “temporary pause” on states’ ability to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Initially called a moratorium, Senate Republicans changed the characterization of the prohibition to ensure the provision’s passage during the reconciliation process. The changes were at least partially successful, as the proposed “temporary pause” overcame a procedural hurdle when the Senate parliamentarian concluded that it satisfies the “Byrd Rule” and may remain in the bill. The bill now heads to the Senate floor. If enacted, the temporary pause would mark the most significant federal action (or inaction) related to AI.

In a closely contested Democratic primary held on Tuesday, June 17, Virginia state delegate Jay Jones narrowly defeated Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor in the race for attorney general. This outcome sets the stage for a November election against Republican incumbent Jason Miyares, who advanced unopposed from his primary.

In this episode of our special Regulatory Oversight: Solicitors General Insights series, Jeff Johnson is joined by Iowa Solicitor General Eric Wessan and Indiana Solicitor General James Barta to discuss their roles and responsibilities, as well as the current legal challenges their offices are facing. The conversation delves into the intricacies of state and federal court appeals, highlighting the significant amount of work done in state courts.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia recently enjoined Texas Attorney General (AG) Ken Paxton from enforcing a pre-litigation subpoena issued to Media Matters for America (Media Matters). The subpoena is related to the Texas AG’s investigation into Media Matters arising out of allegations that the company fraudulently manipulated data after it reported about brand advertisement concerns on X.

Nevada Attorney General (AG) Aaron D. Ford recently announced that the State of Nevada and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have filed a suit against IYOVIA. IYOVIA currently operates under the brand names IM Mastery Academy, iMarketsLive, and IM Academy (collectively, “IML”) and is accused of falsely promising significant income through trading in various financial markets and through a multi-level marketing scheme.

On May 27, the Texas Legislature sent Senate Bill 3 (SB3) to Gov. Greg Abbott for signature, marking a potentially seismic shift in the legal landscape for hemp-derived cannabinoid products in the state. If signed into law – or allowed to take effect without a veto – SB3 will impose one of the most comprehensive bans on consumable hemp products in the country, to include all products containing any measurable amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other natural and synthetic intoxicating cannabinoids. The legislation targets a market that has flourished since the passage of the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, creating new compliance, enforcement, and business continuity questions for stakeholders across the supply chain. This article summarizes SB3’s major provisions and provides an example of the impacts the bill will have on manufacturers, retailers, and consumers through the lens of infused beverage products.

Effective July 1, Mississippi will require all cigarette and ENDS manufacturers to provide annual certifications and have their products listed on a state directory in order for their products to be sold in the state. The law, enacted through HB 916, creates separate directories for cigarettes, including roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco, and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) products, such as e-cigarettes and vapes.

Maryland Attorney General (AG) Anthony G. Brown recently announced three settlements with real estate and property management companies, resulting in more than $310,000 in combined civil penalties and restitution. Brown alleged that the property management and real estate companies discriminated against various tenants that utilized housing vouchers or had criminal records, in violation of federal and state fair housing laws.