Search

AG Frey Joins Coalition Condemning DOJ Coercion Against Minnesota

Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in condemning the Department of Justice's use of armed federal agents to coerce Minnesota officials into turning over protected resident data including Medicaid, SNAP, and voter information. The coalition, led by New York AG Letitia James, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on January 29, 2026, asserting the demands intrude on state sovereignty and conflict with ongoing court-ordered protections. The attorneys general warned they will continue to defend state sovereignty and resident rights against unlawful federal interference.

Attorney General Davenport Sues EPA Over Mercury Emissions Standards Repeal

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport joined a coalition of 18 states in filing a lawsuit challenging the EPA's repeal of standards limiting mercury and toxic pollutants from power plants. The states argue the repeal is unlawful because the EPA failed to provide a reasoned basis and did not adequately consider developments in pollution control technologies. The coalition is asking the court to determine the rule is unlawful and must be reversed.

States Challenge EPA Rollback of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

Minnesota Attorney General Ellison co-led a coalition of 21 states and local governments in filing a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's repeal of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule, which had tightened emission limits on mercury, arsenic, lead, and other hazardous air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants. The coalition argues the repeal is unlawful because EPA failed to provide a reasoned basis and did not adequately consider advances in pollution control technologies, while continuing to give lignite coal plants a free pass from emissions standards. The action seeks judicial reversal of the rollback, which the states contend will increase dangerous emissions and harm public health and the environment.

AG Rayfield, 20 States Sue Over Mercury Pollution Rule Rollback

Attorney General Dan Rayfield and 20 other states and local governments filed a lawsuit on March 31, 2026 challenging the Trump administration's rollback of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule. The MATS Rule limits emissions of mercury, arsenic, lead, acid gases, and other toxic pollutants from coal and oil-fired power plants. The coalition argues the administration failed to provide a reasoned basis for the rollback and did not adequately consider developments in pollution control technologies. The lawsuit seeks a court determination that the rule reversal is unlawful and must be reversed. Mercury emissions from power plants contaminate waterways including the Columbia River and pose neurodevelopmental risks to pregnant women and children.

First Measles Case of 2026 Confirmed in Providence County

The Rhode Island Department of Health has confirmed the first measles case of 2026 in Providence County. Health officials are notifying the public and monitoring the situation for potential exposures. This announcement serves as a public health notification regarding the confirmed case.

ICE Arrests Criminal Illegal Aliens for Sex Trafficking, Child Assault, Rape, Kidnapping

DHS released a press statement announcing that ICE arrested 14 criminal illegal aliens across the country over a weekend period for convictions including sexual assault on a child, human trafficking for sexual servitude, rape, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. The arrests occurred in multiple states including Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, South Dakota, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Ecuadoran nationals among others.

Zynex Admits Responsibility, Agrees to Non-Prosecution Agreement

Zynex, Inc. has entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Rhode Island, agreeing to pay a penalty of $5-12.5 million. This agreement resolves charges related to health care fraud and securities fraud committed primarily between 2017 and August 2025 under prior management.

Irish National John O'Brien Sentenced to 56 Months for Multi-State Home Repair Fraud

John O'Brien, an Irish national residing unlawfully in the United States, was sentenced on April 7, 2026, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. in Rhode Island federal court to 56 months in federal prison for his role in a multi-state home repair fraud scheme. O'Brien, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud on December 11, 2025, is expected to be deported upon completion of his sentence. Court documents and the change of plea hearing establish that O'Brien and co-conspirators targeted homeowners in Rhode Island and Massachusetts with unnecessary or incomplete repair work, collecting over $1.5 million between July 2021 and March 2025.

Proposed State AI Law Update: April 20, 2026

This JD Supra update from Troutman Pepper Locke covers state AI legislative developments through April 20, 2026, reporting that Nebraska became the fourth state to enact a chatbot law when Governor Jim Pillen signed the Conversational AI Safety Act (LB 525) into law on April 14, 2026. Maine also enacted LD 2082 on April 13, prohibiting any person from providing, advertising, or offering therapy or psychotherapy services, including through AI, to the public unless provided by a licensed professional. Multiple states advanced additional AI legislation including chatbot bills in Iowa, Tennessee, Hawaii, and Oklahoma, health AI bills in California, Colorado, Louisiana, and Rhode Island, and provenance disclosure bills in Arizona.

Rhode Island Regional Haze SIP Second Implementation Period Approval

EPA has approved Rhode Island's Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the second implementation period. The approval addresses Prong 4 (visibility protection) requirements under the 2015 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. This final rule is effective May 11, 2026.

Thomas A. Vigil - Consent Agreement

The State of Rhode Island Securities Division has entered into a consent agreement with Thomas A. Vigil. The agreement addresses alleged violations of securities regulations, including unregistered securities and unlicensed activity. Specific sanctions and undertakings are outlined.

Princess Pine Estate Land Conservation Acquisition

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has acquired the 68-acre Princess Pine Estate in Hopkinton on Wincheck Pond for $1.66 million in public land conservation funding. The purchase was financed through $800,000 from the US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Restoration Program, $500,000 from The Nature Conservancy Rhode Island Chapter, and $361,000 in state Open Space Bond funds. The property will be incorporated into DEM's Rockville Wildlife Management Area, managed for hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation habitat, with 15 acres temporarily closed for site improvements.

Cyanobacteria Advisory Lifted at Scott Pond

The Rhode Island Department of Health has lifted the cyanobacteria advisory at Scott Pond. The advisory, which warned the public to avoid contact with the water due to potential harmful algal blooms, has been removed following testing that indicated cyanobacteria levels have returned to safe conditions.