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In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two new rounds of warning letters to online retailers, manufacturers, and distributors for reportedly selling or distributing unauthorized e-cigarette products. Notably, FDA’s most recent letters target several popular disposable flavored products, including Elf Bar, EB Design, Lava, Cali, Bang, and Kangertech, which FDA states are particularly appealing to youth. FDA also sought civil money penalties against 22 retailers for failing to comply with prior warning letters and, for the first time, sought the maximum penalty allowed by law.

Continue Reading FDA Ramps Up Enforcement Against Flavored Disposable E-Cigarettes as External Pressures Mount

Four state attorneys general (state AGs) – Colorado, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas – have announced resolutions with Choice Hotels International, Inc. (Choice Hotels), a prominent hotel conglomerate known for operating brands like Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, and Econo Lodge related to the company’s practice of charging hidden “resort” fees.

Continue Reading State AGs Settle With Choice Hotels Over Hidden “Resort” Fees

As the end of fiscal year 2023 approaches, the potential for a shutdown looms due to Congress not passing necessary spending bills. Our partners provide guidance for government contractors on mitigating economic risks in the event of a shutdown. Key steps include preparing and updating an inventory of open contracts and agreements, seeking specific instructions from the contracting officer in writing, and setting up new cost pools to track costs related to the shutdown. Contractors are advised to keep accurate records of decisions, instructions, and costs incurred during the shutdown to maximize recovery potential. Upon the end of the shutdown, contractors should assess and quantify increased costs and seek recovery where economically viable.

Continue Reading Mitigating the Economic Risk in the Event of a Government Shutdown – Near Terms Steps for Government Contractors

State attorneys general (AG) are continuing their push for cannabis banking reform, underscoring the need for action to promote public health and safety in legal cannabis markets. On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of 22 state AGs sent a letter to Congress urging passage of the Secure And Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, coinciding…

On September 25, California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Biora Therapeutics, Inc. (Biora) regarding misleading claims the company made concerning the cost of its genetic testing services. Under the settlement agreement, Biora must waive all California customers’ outstanding debts and pay $200,000 in penalties.Continue Reading California AG Reaches Settlement With Biotech Company Over Marketing of Its Genetic Testing

Michigan Attorney General (AG) Dana Nessel has filed suit against the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority to enforce demands by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) related to alleged per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination of the regional drinking water supply caused by the airport authority.Continue Reading Michigan AG Brings PFAS Lawsuit Against the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority

On September 13, Tennessee Attorney General (AG) Jonathan Skrmetti sent a letter to members of the Net Zero Financial Service Providers Alliance (NZFSPA) warning that their commitment to support “global net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner” may violate state and federal law. Specifically, Skrmetti — and the 22 AGs who co-signed his letter — expressed “concerns” that NZFSPA’s commitments “may run afoul of” federal antitrust and state consumer protection statutes. The AGs request that NZFSPA members respond by October 13, providing detailed information regarding their “commitments and related policies.”Continue Reading Tennessee-Led Coalition of 22 State AGs Sends Warning Letter to Financial Service Providers Committed to “Net-Zero” Emissions

On September 5, the attorney generals (AGs) of 54 U.S. states and territories called on Congress to address bad actors who generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM) using artificial technology (AI). Framing the issue as a “race against time,” the letter highlights the harms of AI-generated CSAM, and asks Congress to study and propose solutions.Continue Reading AGs Call for Congress Action on AI-Generated Child Abuse Content

This article was originally published on September 7, 2023 in Reuters and is republished here with permission.

State Attorneys General (AGs) uniquely wield power to enforce the law, direct policy, and effectuate political goals. Exercising their civil prosecutorial authority, State AGs have redefined priorities of paramount concern to CEOs and in-house legal counsel that impact the corporate and commercial landscape.Continue Reading Making an Impact: State Attorneys General Races in 2023 and Beyond

On August 11, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 2222 (Public Act 103-0526) into law — bolstering Illinois’ antitrust prevention efforts by expanding the oversight purview of its Attorney General’s (AG) office with respect to health care transactions. Under the new law, the Illinois AG now has the power to review and assess certain “covered transactions” entered into between health care facilities and providers.Continue Reading Illinois Expands Health Care Transaction Oversight