State AG Secures 120-Year Sentence for Human Trafficker

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 120-year prison sentence for Marquett James, who was convicted of human trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy. This action follows a federal refusal to prosecute the case.

CT Dept of Banking - Administrative Order for Banta, Meera, First Bank Mortgage

The Connecticut Department of Banking has added a new administrative order and settlement for Banta, Meera, and First Bank Mortgage, Inc. d/b/a Money Tree. The order, dated January 30, details the terms of the settlement.

Texas AG Investigates "Sharia City" Development

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into a proposed development in Kaufman County, referred to as a "sharia city." The investigation targets SEE Holding and Kaufman Solar LLC, with the AG issuing Requests to Examine to gather information on the development's legality and compliance with Texas laws.

Paxton Secures $68M Settlement Against Colony Ridge Developers

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in conjunction with the DOJ, secured a $68 million settlement against Colony Ridge developers. The agreement halts new residential lot platting for 36 months, prohibits sales to individuals from certain countries, and mandates new underwriting and identification standards.

Texas AG Rescinds Opinion on SSNs for Occupational Licenses

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has withdrawn a 2001 legal opinion that allowed occupational license applicants to not submit a Social Security Number. A new opinion requires SSNs for all applicants, aiming to prevent undocumented immigrants from obtaining licenses and protect jobs for authorized workers.

NY AG Recovers $4.7M from Tax Evasion Scheme by Truck Rental Companies

New York Attorney General Letitia James recovered over $4.7 million from two NYC truck rental companies, Able Rentals and Abarn Equipment Corp., and their accountant, Howard Zapken, for a decade-long tax evasion scheme. The companies underreported sales, pocketing over $1.3 million in collected sales tax.

Universal Credit and ESA Rates Amendment Regulations 2026

The UK government has issued the Universal Credit and ESA Rates Amendment Regulations 2026, which will come into force on April 6, 2026. These regulations amend the rates of Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance.

Health and Social Care Pension Scheme (NI) 2026 Amendment

The UK Government has amended the Health and Social Care Pension Scheme (NI) effective January 1, 2026. This amendment introduces changes to the pension regulations for health and social care workers in Northern Ireland.

Tribunal Rules Amended

The UK government has amended the Tribunal Rules, introducing changes to time limits for case submissions and altering case allocation procedures. These amendments are intended to streamline tribunal processes and ensure more efficient case management across various tribunals.

Justice Reform Act Commencement Date Amendment

The UK government has issued amendment regulations to change the commencement date for the Justice Reform Act. These regulations, effective March 1, 2026, alter when specific provisions of the Act will come into force.