The New York Voting Rights Act‘s (NYVRA) preclearance section takes effect on September 22, 2024. The new rule requires covered jurisdictions to seek “preclearance” of certain covered policy changes to their election and redistricting procedures from the New York Office of the Attorney General (AG) or an appropriate court. The public comment period on the AG’s proposed preclearance rule is closed and resulted in the AG adopting the proposed rule as final without substantive changes. The final rule further clarifies the standards and processes for obtaining preclearance and will be published in the State Register on September 11, 2024.Continue Reading New York AG Adopts Final Preclearance Rule and Prepares for the NYVRA to Take Effect

On August 27, the New Jersey Attorney General (AG) and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced that the state had issued notices of violation and $4,500 civil penalty demands to 19 retailers across New Jersey for allegedly selling banned flavored vapor products. This is New Jersey’s first public enforcement of the state’s 2020 flavor ban, and New Jersey joins a number of other state AGs taking similar action across the U.S.Continue Reading New Jersey Issues Notice of Violations and Fines to Retailers Allegedly in Violation of the State’s Flavor Ban

California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta has settled with StubHub, Inc. (StubHub) for alleged violations of the Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law. The complaint accuses StubHub of making misleading statements to induce the public to purchase tickets on its platform. Specifically, the complaint highlights StubHub’s “FanProtect” guarantee, which promised full refunds for canceled events — a promise that StubHub allegedly failed to honor during the COVID-19 pandemic.Continue Reading Ticketing Company Agrees to COVID-19 Customer Refunds

In a recent development, North Carolina Attorney General (AG) Josh Stein announced his intention to appeal a Wake County Superior Court decision regarding allocation of environmental grant funds from Smithfield Foods. The ruling, which favors redirecting these funds exclusively to public schools, has sparked a legal debate with significant implications for environmental initiatives and educational funding in the state.Continue Reading Battle Over Millions: North Carolina AG Fights to Keep Smithfield’s Environmental Funds From Schools

On August 20, New Hampshire Attorney General (AG) John Formella announced the arrest of Ricky Southers, the owner of Southers Construction, Inc., for allegedly violating the terms of an injunction issued under the state’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Earlier this year, Formella filed a civil complaint against Southers and his construction company, alleging numerous and repeated violations of the CPA. The court ordered a temporary restraining order, followed by an injunction, which imposed strict requirements on how Southers can operate his business in the state. Southers has been charged with criminal violations after allegedly failing to comply with the temporary restraining order and injunction.Continue Reading New Hampshire AG Files Criminal Charges Against Owner for CPA Violations

As litigation to block the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger wages on at the state and federal level, four state attorneys general (AG) have jumped into the fray in support of the merger as the cases heat up on all fronts.Continue Reading State AGs Say Kroger-Albertsons Merger Will Increase Grocery Market Competition

Concerns over consumer protection are mounting as the sales of intoxicating hemp products continue to rise. In response to a fragmented regulatory landscape that has led to inconsistent enforcement and compliance challenges, state attorneys general are stepping in to fill the void left by the absence of comprehensive federal regulations. These state-level actions aim to

On July 29, the attorney general (AG) for Washington, D.C. sued StubHub, Inc. (StubHub) for violations of the district’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act. The complaint accuses StubHub of employing “dark patterns,” including the use of hidden fees that mislead consumers and inflate ticket prices.Continue Reading District of Columbia AG Sues StubHub for Alleged “Dark Patterns” and Hidden Fees

As U.S. elections heat up, Republicans have put Democrats on the defense about the economy and the public’s perception of it. One talking point for Democrats in response, including in President Joe Biden’s last two State of the Union addresses, has been federal efforts to combat so-called junk fees.

Still, the strongest regulations are coming from states, and companies will need to keep an eye on all of these laws to comply.Continue Reading New State Junk Fee Laws Set Corporate Advertising Bar—For Now