--- title: "AG Chronicles: February 2026" date: 2026-02-17T00:00:00-05:00 author: Mary Katherine (MK) Terrell canonical_url: "https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/newsletters/ag-chronicles/ag-chronicles-february-2026" section: Newsletter Issues --- # AG Chronicles: February 2026 February 17, 2026 **February 2026** ***AG Chronicles**: a monthly newsletter breaking down State Attorneys General consumer protection issues and highlighting news from the states.* #### IN CASE YOU MISSED IT #### West Virginia Attorney General’s Office: Consumer Protection and Ultra-Processed Foods Special guests [Jace Goins](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacegoins/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ), Chief Deputy; [Ann Haight](https://ago.wv.gov/consumer-protection-antitrust-division?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ), Director, Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division;[ Abby Cunningham](https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-c-7309325/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ), Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division joined Kelley Drye State Attorneys General Practice Chair [Paul Singer](https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/paul-l-singer?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ), Advertising and Marketing Chair [Donnelly McDowell](https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/donnelly-l-mcdowell?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ), Special Counsel [Abby Stempson](https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/abigail-stempson?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ), and Senior Associate [Andrea deLorimier](https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/andrea-delorimier?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ). The guest speakers shared insights into West Virginia’s current consumer protection priorities and examined the state’s new law targeting certain ultra-processed foods and food ingredients, along with its implications for consumer protection enforcement. Watch the Zoom recording [here](https://vimeo.com/1161222022/e1b9f4dbf1?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ). Read our blog post for key takeaways [here](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/ultra-processed-foods-and-consumer-protection-what-we-learned-from-west-virginia?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ). #### IN THE NEWS AND LATEST UPDATES #### [40 State AGs Urge Congress to Adopt Senate KOSA Bill](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/40-state-ags-urge-congress-to-adopt-senate-kosa-bill?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) On February 11, 2026, a bipartisan coalition of 40 state attorneys general sent a letter to Congressional leadership expressing support for the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), S. 1748. #### [New Privacy Perspectives Episode: App Store Age Assurance Laws Aren’t Going Away](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/new-privacy-perspectives-episode-app-store-age-assurance-laws-arent-going-away?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) Texas recently blocked its App Store Accountability Act from taking effect on First Amendment grounds. Problem solved, right? Not even close. In the latest episode of[ Privacy Perspectives ](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/podcasts/ad-law-access/privacy-perspectives-app-store-age-assurance-laws-and-what-comes-next?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ)(part of the [Ad Law Access podcast feed](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/podcasts/ad-law-access?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ)), [Alex Schneider](https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/alexander-i-schneider?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) sits down with [Laura Riposo VanDruff](https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/laura-riposo-vandruff?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) and [Paul Singer](https://www.kelleydrye.com/people/paul-l-singer?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) to explain why app store age assurance remains very much a live issue—and why companies across the digital ecosystem need to pay attention. #### [35 State AGs Don’t Grok xAI, Issue Letter of Concern](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/35-state-ags-dont-grok-xai-issue-letter-of-concern?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) Last month, 35 state attorneys general, led by Connecticut, North Carolina, Utah, and Pennsylvania, penned a [letter](https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/ag/press_releases/2026/letter-to-xai_final.pdf?rev=5bb87050e07748a8aeb7e34e0b3add9b&hash=3F84FFE741877348230CB72696EA9715&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) to xAI outlining concerns regarding nonconsensual intimate images (NCII) generated on Grok. Though the AGs recognized similar issues exist on other AI platforms, and third party ​“bad actors” are also involved in creating imagery, they claim that xAI’s Grok ​“merits special attention.” The AGs said there is evidence Grok promoted and facilitated the production and public dissemination of such images and made it easy to use with ​“the click of a button.” #### [AG Pricing Update: $4.25M Menards Settlement in Rebate Probe; Colorado AG Targets 2026 Pricing Practices](https://www.kelleydrye.com/viewpoints/blogs/ad-law-access/ag-pricing-update-4-25m-menards-settlement-in-rebate-probe-colorado-ag-targets-2026-pricing-practices?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) On December 17, 2025, a coalition of ten state attorneys general [announced a $4.25 million settlement](https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/News-Room/Current-News/Menards%20IL%20EX.%20AVC%2012.16.25.pdf?language_id=1&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) with Menards, the third-largest home improvement chain, resolving allegations that the company deceptively marketed its ​“Menards 11% Rebate Program” in violation of the states’ general consumer protection laws (rather than any ​“junk fee” or drip-pricing laws). The settlement was led by Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. #### NEWS FROM THE STATES #### Arizona [Attorney General Mayes Announces Settlement with SimonMed over Upfront Billing Practices](https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-settlement-simonmed-over-upfront-billing-practices?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) [Attorney General Mayes Announces $11.8 Million Settlement with Choice Home Warranty](https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-118-million-settlement-choice-home-warranty?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) #### California [On Data Privacy Day, Attorney General Bonta Focuses on Surveillance Pricing, Compliance with California Consumer Privacy Act](https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/data-privacy-day-attorney-general-bonta-focuses-surveillance-pricing-compliance?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) #### Iowa [Attorney General Brenna Bird Secures Another Victory Against TikTok](https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/newsroom/attorney-general-brenna-bird-secures-another-victory-against-tiktok?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) #### Massachusetts [AG Campbell Sues Bitcoin Kiosk Operator For Facilitating Crypto Scams Against Massachusetts Consumers](https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-campbell-sues-bitcoin-kiosk-operator-for-facilitating-crypto-scams-against-massachusetts-consumers?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) #### Michigan [AG Nessel Secures Judgment Against Lawn Care, Pool Company Over Consumer Protection Violations](https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/01/27/ag-nessel-secures-judgment?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) #### Missouri [Attorney General Hanaway Cracks Down On Business Selling Illegal THC Products Marketed Towards Minors](https://ago.mo.gov/attorney-general-hanaway-cracks-down-on-business-selling-illegal-thc-products-marketed-towards-minors/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) #### Washington [AG’s office sues illegal gambling apps that have taken more than $225 million from Washingtonians](https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-s-office-sues-illegal-gambling-apps-have-taken-more-225-million?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-91tzZ3N2Hhi7VVhpCcZugLBxsWwVR5iwDysPuTvmaqVPEDstRmZw0C0fRrAyZ0FHcIiXaZ) #### UPCOMING EVENTS Members of our team will be attending these upcoming conferences, in addition to RAGA and DAGA events: - [AGA Chair’s Initiative](https://web.cvent.com/event/1d418a8e-6d2c-4af4-82f0-fb8d7b16a84b/websitePage:4fbd7fe8-0db5-49ab-a5f5-e44e060db765) – February 24-26 in Santa Fe, NM - [NAAG 2026 Annual Conference](https://www.naag.org/event/2026-naag-annual-conference/) – April 13-15 in Charleston, SC - [NAAG Spring Consumer Protection Conference](https://www.naag.org/event/2026-spring-consumer-protection-conference/) – May 19-21 in Kansas City, MO For more information about the State Attorneys General Practice group, [click here](https://www.kelleydrye.com/practices/state-attorneys-general). - Share this entry - - - - - [ View entry pdf ](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.kelleydrye.com/content/uploads/pdf-snapshots/ag-chronicles-february-2026-20260218154012.pdf) ### Related Services - [State Attorneys General](https://www.kelleydrye.com/practices/state-attorneys-general)