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State Attorneys General Monitor analyzes regulatory actions by state AGs and other state administrative agencies throughout the nation. Contributors to this newsletter and related blog include attorneys experienced in regulatory enforcement, litigation, and compliance. Also visit our State Attorneys General Monitor microsite.

Contact our State AG Team at StateAG@troutman.com.

Troutman Pepper Locke Spotlight

Inside Maine’s AG Office: AG Aaron Frey on Public Service

By Stephen C. Piepgrass, Chuck Slemp, and Stephanie Kozol

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, Stephanie Kozol and Chuck Slemp welcome Maine Attorney General (AG) Aaron Frey to discuss the unique aspects of the Maine Office of the AG. The conversation begins with Frey sharing his personal background and motivations for entering public service, before delving into the distinctive process of electing the AG in Maine.

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Multistate AG Updates

FDA’s New Lead Guidelines: A Milestone for Safer Baby Foods

By Troutman Pepper Locke State Attorneys General Team and Sydney Goldberg

In recent years, the safety of baby food has become a top priority for state attorneys general (AG) and federal agencies. In April 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its “Closer to Zero” plan to “reduce dietary exposure to contaminants to as low as possible, while maintaining access to nutritious foods.” However, multiple coalitions of state AGs have been vocal in advocating for more stringent and urgent measures. Over the last four years, these coalitions have urged the FDA to take decisive action to ensure the safety of baby food products, particularly as it relates to the presence of toxic metals. In January 2025, the FDA issued final guidance setting action levels for lead in processed foods intended for babies and young children under the age of two.

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Single State AG Updates

California AG Announces Investigative Sweep Targeting Geolocation Data

By Troutman Pepper Locke State Attorneys General Team, Gene Fishel, and Brianna Dally

On March 10, California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta announced an investigative sweep of the location data industry for potential noncompliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

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AG of the Week

Alan Wilson, South Carolina

Alan Wilson was elected South Carolina’s 51st attorney general (AG) on November 2, 2010, and has been re-elected to subsequent terms on November 4, 2014, November 6, 2018, and on November 8, 2022.

This marks his fourth term in the office. Previously, he served as a prosecution division intern under Charlie Condon and as an assistant AG under Henry McMaster.

As AG, Wilson is the state’s chief prosecutor, chief securities officer, and the state’s chief legal counsel. The office comprises nearly 300 employees, including approximately 90 attorneys who manage nearly 8,000 active case files.

As AG, Wilson has protected South Carolina’s right-to-work laws; helped lead the 26-state challenge to the federal health care mandate; successfully safeguarded South Carolina’s voter identification law; and fought to protect its immigration laws in court. He has collaborated with other AGs nationwide on issues such as Obamacare, Dodd-Frank, EPA overreach, Yucca Mountain, MOX Facility, Religious Freedom, and more. He is currently fighting to protect the South Carolina coast from seismic testing and possible oil and gas exploration.

In 2012, he collaborated with local legislators to strengthen South Carolina’s human trafficking laws, leading to the establishment of a Human Trafficking Task Force chaired by the AG’s office.

Wilson was elected as chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) in November 2013 and again in May 2021.

Prior to his election, Wilson served as an assistant solicitor and as an assistant AG before entering private practice with the Columbia firm of Willoughby & Hoefer, P.A. He began his legal career working for the late Judge Marc H. Westbrook.

Wilson joined the National Guard immediately after graduating from college and served in Iraq, where he earned the Combat Action Badge. Today, he continues his military service as a colonel in the South Carolina National Guard.

He holds a degree from Francis Marion University and the University of South Carolina School of Law.

South Carolina AG in the News:

• On April 14, Wilson led a 22-state coalition in writing a letter of support for U.S. Senator Tim Scott’s newly introduced legislation aimed at fighting against de-banking.

• On April 11, Wilson led a coalition of 14 other AGs, urging asbestos trusts to halt destruction of crucial documents and data related to past claims and compensation payments.

Upcoming AG Events

• April: AGA | International Delegation | Rome, Italy

• May: RAGA | ERC Retreat | Oahu, HI

• May: DAGA | Williamsburg Policy Conference | Williamsburg, VA

For more on upcoming AG Events, click here.