Attorney General Jay Jones has released an update outlining the work completed in his first month in office. The report highlights actions taken to support Virginians’ rights, lower costs, defend public health and safety, reverse prior legal positions, and respond to federal actions.
On his first day, Jones ordered a review of pending cases and legal opinions within the Office of the Attorney General. As a result, the office joined new multistate litigation efforts aimed at benefiting Virginians, withdrew from cases seen as harmful to communities, and advanced lawsuits intended to return funds to residents.
“In just 30 days, we have done exactly what I promised Virginians I would do, which is to put them first,” said Attorney General Jones. “When corporations break the law, we will hold them accountable. When the Trump administration overreaches, we will meet them in court. Virginia’s laws will be enforced as written, and we will stand up for the people of this Commonwealth every single time.”
The office participated in several key initiatives:
– Joined Massachusetts v. U.S. Department of Education to protect public servants such as teachers and law enforcement officers from changes affecting student loan forgiveness.
– Entered New York v. Rollins to challenge restrictions on food assistance eligibility.
– Secured $17.85 million in settlements with pharmaceutical companies over allegations of generic drug price-fixing and joined broader antitrust litigation against Novartis.
– Opposed federal rule changes that could weaken fair housing protections.
In matters related to democracy and elections:
– Issued a formal opinion supporting the General Assembly’s authority on redistricting amendments.
– Reversed previous positions regarding equal representation for voters in Virginia Beach.
– Coordinated with other states challenging federal actions alleged to interfere with election administration.
Other actions included moving to dismiss litigation seeking to block a new state law limiting minors’ access to social media platforms and announcing planned enforcement against violators. The office also supported measures against nonconsensual sexual content involving children online.
Jones paused an appeal concerning Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), potentially reopening funding for flood prevention programs. His office coordinated challenges against unlawful sharing of sensitive health data and opposed efforts that might block Medicaid reimbursements for essential services.
Further steps were taken by initiating proceedings for recovery of federal clean energy funds designated for Virginia communities and rejoining litigation opposing EPA rules that could affect air quality standards.
To strengthen operations internally, Jones led a comprehensive review of active cases and prior opinions within his office—aiming for clarity and consistency—and launched searches for legal counsel at major state universities including UVA, GMU, and VMI.
Efforts were also made toward increasing attorney compensation within the office, creating specialized units focused on federal litigation and worker protection, as well as enhancing capabilities in constitutional matters.
Finally, Jones formally withdrew a legal opinion issued by former Attorney General Jason Miyares regarding Second Amendment interpretation after finding it was based on incorrect information.
The Office of the Attorney General provides legal counsel to state agencies while working on public safety issues across Virginia official website. Its responsibilities include consumer protection resources related to identity theft or fraud reporting official website, civil rights enforcement official website, support for victims official website, addressing human trafficking official website, domestic violence official website, serving all regions across Virginia official website.
