Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Monitor — February 1, 2024
State attorneys general increasingly impact businesses in all industries. Our nationally recognized state AG team has been trusted by clients for 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.
Contact our State AG Team at StateAG@troutman.com.
2023 State AG Year in Review
2023 State AG Year in Review
By Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Team
State attorneys general (AGs) continue their role as innovators, shaping the regulatory environment by utilizing their expertise and resources to influence policy and practice. The public-facing nature of the AGs’ office across the U.S. compels responses to constituent concerns on abbreviated timetables. This political sensitivity, coupled with the AGs’ ability to bring the full power of the sovereign to address local and national issues alike, demonstrates why the AGs may be the most formidable authority in the current regulatory environment.
Podcast
Unauthorized Access - Snooping Sadia Talks to Former Official Gene Fishel
Troutman Pepper’s Gene Fishel joins Sadia after discovering that she was snooping around his office hoping to snag a challenge coin. Sadia uncovers its meaning, but more importantly discusses Gene’s 20-year career as chief of the Computer Crime Section in Virginia’s Office of Attorney General, and his time as a special assistant U.S. attorney.
State AG Updates
Michigan AG Dana Nessel Sues to Dissolve Detroit Landscaping and Snow Removal Companies
By Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Team
Michigan Attorney General (AG) Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit seeking injunctive relief and dissolution of several limited liability companies owned by John and Michele Church. The Churches’ companies have allegedly violated the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) by engaging in unlawful business practices related to their residential snow removal, lawn care, and landscaping services.
Vermont AG Reaches Settlement Over Motel Program Security Deposit Withholdings
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Vermont Attorney General (AG) Charity Clark recently announced the resolution of an investigation into the withholding of security deposits across five motels that were participating in the state’s Transitional Housing Program, also referred to as the “Motel Program.” The settlement establishes a $310,000 restitution pool to provide payments to impacted Vermonters who stayed in motels owned by Anil Sachdev (or companies he controls), along with injunctive relief. Sachdev will also be required to pay $523,600 to the state, which will be suspended for cooperation with the resolution of the matter, including putting adequate funds toward the repair, maintenance, and improvement of the properties he owns.
FTC and Bipartisan State AGs Win Landmark Case Against ‘Pharma Bro’ Martin Shkreli Over Daraprim Monopoly
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On January 23, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed a district court ruling that Martin Shkreli, CEO of Vyera Pharmaceuticals (Vyera), violated federal and state laws by engaging in illegal and anticompetitive behavior.
Navigating State AG Investigations: Lessons from TikTok’s Experience
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In a recent case involving TikTok and the state of North Carolina, the social media giant was compelled to produce detailed information for 98,000 meetings, despite its claim that this violated its Fourth Amendment rights. As noted by Troutman Pepper’s Ashley Taylor, Robert Angle and Mackenzie Jessup in a recent article for Law360, this case highlights the differences between responding to state investigations and standard civil litigation.
Massachusetts AG Settles With Major Student Loan Servicer for $1.8M Over Faulty Notices
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On January 11, Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) Andrea Joy Campbell announced a $1.8 million settlement with Nelnet, Inc. (Nelnet), one of the largest federal student loan servicers in the U.S., for allegedly sending written notices to borrowers about renewing income-driven repayment (IDR) plans that failed to meet certain regulatory requirements and, in some cases, failing to send the required notices altogether.
Stephanie Kozol, Senior Government Relations Manager – State Attorneys General, also contributed to this newsletter.