Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Monitor — February 15, 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.
Podcast
From the Courtroom to the Capitol: Oregon AG Ellen Rosenblum Talks Leadership, Advocacy, and the Journey to Public Service
By Stephen Piepgrass and Judy Jagdmann
In the latest episode of Regulatory Oversight, Troutman Pepper partner and former Virginia AG Judy Jagdmann is joined by Oregon AG Ellen Rosenblum to discuss her journey from being a federal prosecutor and state trial and appellate judge, to becoming Oregon's AG.
State AG Updates
19 State AGs Support FTC's Proposed Rule Prohibiting "Junk" Fees
By Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Team
On February 7, a coalition of 19 state attorneys general (AG) filed a comment letter supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees (Rule). The state AGs echoed the sentiment that the proposed rule would provide much-needed safeguards for consumers against unfair or deceptive fees that are a "prevalent problem in many different types of industries."
NY AG Secures $77M Judgement With Merchant Cash Advance Companies
By
On February 8, New York attorney general (AG) Letisha James announced a $77 million judgment with three merchant cash advance (MCA) companies, Richmond Capital Group, Ram Capital Funding, and Viceroy Capital Funding, and their principals. AG James sued the companies in 2020, alleging they engaged in exploitive lending practices with small businesses, such as charging high interest rates, undisclosed fees, debiting excess amounts, and fraudulently securing judgments against them.
Massachusetts Court Rejects State AG's Effort to Vacate Order in Settled Liquor Law Dispute
By
On January 26, a Massachusetts Superior Court rejected an effort by the Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) to vacate an order that cast doubt on the constitutionality of a new Massachusetts liquor law.
Pennsylvania AG Settles With Debt Services Law Firm
By
Pennsylvania Attorney General (AG) Michelle Henry reached a settlement with attorney Erik Helbing and his business, Helbing Law Group, LLC, resolving allegations of deceptive advertising practices and failure to effectively deliver on promised debt settlement services. The law firm advertised that it could facilitate significant reduction in client debts through negotiation or litigation processes using licensed attorneys. According to Henry, these advertisements were false or misleading.
Stephanie Kozol, Senior Government Relations Manager – State Attorneys General, also contributed to this newsletter.