WA Attorney General News Releases

Washington State Law Strengthened to Protect Estates from Scams

The Washington State Legislature passed a bill requested by the Attorney General to strengthen probate laws and protect families from scams. The new law, HB 2445, sets clearer rules for third parties seeking to administer estates, preventing exploitation of grieving families. This follows a case where individuals were ordered to pay over $7 million for defrauding estates.

Immigrant Worker Protection Act Enhances Workplace Fairness

The Washington State Legislature has passed the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, requested by the Attorney General. The act requires employers to notify immigrant workers within five business days if federal agents request I-9 forms and to provide information on worker rights and resources. The bill now awaits the Governor's signature.

Immigrant Worker Protection Act Sets Employer Rules

The Washington State Legislature has passed the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, which requires employers to notify immigrant workers within five business days if federal agents request to review their I-9 forms. The bill, requested by the Attorney General, aims to increase equity and transparency for immigrant workers.

State AGs Sue Dept of Education Over Data Demand

A coalition of 17 State Attorneys General, led by Washington AG Nick Brown, has sued the U.S. Department of Education over new data collection requirements for colleges and universities. The lawsuit alleges the demand for race and sex-disaggregated admissions and outcomes data violates federal law and student privacy, and was implemented unlawfully.

State AGs Continue Antitrust Case Against Live Nation

A coalition of 26 state Attorneys General announced they will continue their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster. The states are pursuing the case independently after a settlement with the federal government was deemed inadequate.

Poacher Sentenced to 43.5 Months for Felonies

The Washington Attorney General's office secured a guilty plea and a 43.5-month prison sentence for Ronald Livermore, a prolific poacher convicted of seven felonies including illegal firearm possession and hunting. This sentence is reportedly the longest agreed recommendation for illegal hunting in nearly a decade.

State AGs Secure Court Order to Restore FEMA Disaster Funding

A coalition of State Attorneys General, led by Washington, secured a court order compelling FEMA to restore billions in funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The order requires FEMA to reverse the program's termination and issue a new funding opportunity within 21 days.

O'Reilly Pays $5.6M for Pregnancy Accommodation Violations

O'Reilly Auto Enterprises will pay $5.6 million to settle claims of pregnancy and nursing accommodation violations in Washington state. The consent decree resolves a lawsuit alleging systematic failure to provide reasonable accommodations and retaliation against pregnant workers.

State AG Defends Firearms Act in Lawsuit

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown is defending the constitutionality of the state's Firearms Industry Responsibility Act (FIRA) in a King County Superior Court case, Olen v. Precise Shooter. The AG's office filed an amicus brief to support the law, which holds gun sellers responsible for preventing sales to individuals at risk of self-harm.

Washington AG Sues DOE Over TransAlta Plant Order

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has sued the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in federal court, seeking to overturn an order to reopen the TransAlta coal power plant in Centralia. The AG also filed a separate FOIA lawsuit alleging the DOE unlawfully withheld records related to the order.