Troutman Pepper Locke State Attorneys General Monitor – February 19, 2026

State attorneys general increasingly impact businesses in all industries. Our nationally recognized state AG team has been trusted by clients for more than 20 years to navigate their most complicated state AG investigations and enforcement actions.

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

States Use App Store Controls to Keep Online Content From Minors
By Chris Carlson, Lauren Fincher, and Jessica Birdsong

New state age verification and parental consent laws are slated to take effect in 2026 to shield children from harmful online content, creating significant compliance obligations and heightened enforcement risk for both app developers and app stores.

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Single State AG News

Connecticut AG Initiates Investigation Into Private Equity Group Over Conditions at Apartment Complex
By Troutman Pepper Locke State Attorneys General Team

On February 9, Connecticut Attorney General (AG) William Tong announced an investigation into the owners and managers of the Concierge Apartments in Rocky Hill, CT, for potential violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act after frozen pipes burst and tenants were displaced.

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Texas and Florida AGs Issue Opinions Ratifying Trump Administration’s Executive Orders Dismantling DEI Policies and Programs
By Troutman Pepper Locke State Attorneys General Team

Recent opinions by the Texas attorney general (AG) and the Florida AG assert that their states’ race- and sex-conscious laws and policies are unconstitutional. The opinions align with President Donald Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders 14151 and 14173 (collectively, the executive orders), which seek to end gender- and race-based contracting practices and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

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California AG Resolves Litigation Alleging Elevated Levels of Cadmium and Lead in Seafood Products
By Troutman Pepper Locke State Attorneys General Team

California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta recently announced a consent judgment resolving allegations that the Pacific American Fish Company, Inc. (PAFCO), a seafood distributor and processor, had sold frozen seafood products with elevated levels of lead and cadmium in California without the warnings required by state law.

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AG of the Week

Steve Marshall, Alabama

Steve Marshall was sworn in as the 48th attorney general (AG) of the state of Alabama on February 10, 2017. Initially appointed to the position, he was subsequently elected by Alabama voters to full terms and has served as the state’s chief legal officer throughout his tenure. In this capacity, he has overseen criminal prosecutions, represented the state in civil and appellate matters, and provided legal guidance to state agencies and officials on issues affecting public policy and state governance. Having reached term limits in the AG’s office, Marshall is currently running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor in 2026.

Before becoming AG, Marshall served for 16 years as the district attorney for Marshall County. As district attorney, he prosecuted a broad range of criminal cases, worked with local and state law enforcement agencies, and managed the operations of the district attorney’s office in a largely rural jurisdiction. His responsibilities included overseeing jury trials, coordinating with victim services, and supervising staff in the office.

Marshall received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with academic honors. He earned his law degree from The University of Alabama School of Law, also with academic honors. While in law school, he was a member of the Alabama Law Review and was selected for membership in the Order of the Coif.

Marshall and his wife, Tammy, share three children and maintain longstanding ties to their community in Alabama.

Alabama AG in the News:

• Marshall warns that scammers on online dating platforms often build fake emotional relationships to steal money and personal information, and urges Alabamians to never send money or financial details to online contacts.
• Marshall joined other state AGs in an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Ninth Circuit decision upholding the Los Angeles Unified School District’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, under which more than 500 employees were fired.

Upcoming AG Events

• February: AGA | Chair’s Initiative | Santa Fe, NM
• March: RAGA | Spring Meeting | New Orleans, LA
• April: NAAG | Annual Meeting | Charleston, SC

For more on upcoming AG Events, click here.

Troutman Pepper Locke’s State Attorneys General team combines legal acumen and government experience to develop comprehensive, thoughtful strategies for clients. Our attorneys handle individual and multistate AG investigations, proactive counseling and litigation, and manage ancillary regulatory issues. Our successful approach has been recognized by Chambers USA, which ranked our practice as a leader in the industry.

Our Cannabis Practice provides advice on issues related to applicable federal and state law. Marijuana remains an illegal controlled substance under federal law.