NY Attorney General: SNAP Work Requirements In Effect, Top Consumer Complaints of 2025, Live Nation Trial, GoFundMe’s Illegal Non-Profit Theft, Defending Immigrant Communities, Preventing USPS Handgun Shipments, Tenants Rights In Cold Weather

SNAP Work Requirements In Effect, Top Consumer Complaints of 2025, Live Nation Trial, GoFundMe’s Illegal Non-Profit Theft, Defending Immigrant Communities, Preventing USPS Handgun Shipments, Tenants Rights In Cold Weather: NY AG James 

Editor’s note: We covered some of the changes to the SNAP program back when they were being signed into law.  We also spoke with a legal expert on some of the expected effects of changes to people’s insurance costs due to the failure to extend tax credits that allowed people to afford their Healthcare.  

 

 

 

 

Attorney General James Reminds New Yorkers of SNAP Work Requirements

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement as new federal work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients take effect in New York:

“SNAP is a vital safety net that helps millions of New Yorkers put food on the table. The federal government’s new policies risk pushing more families and individuals into food insecurity at a moment when the cost of necessities remains high.

“Anyone who receives SNAP should keep an eye out for communications from state or local SNAP officials and contact their local social services office if they believe they qualify for an exemption or need help meeting the requirements.

“My office will continue to work with local partners, community organizations, and state agencies to ensure that New Yorkers know their rights and responsibilities under the law, and that vulnerable residents are not left without critical food assistance.”

New federal SNAP requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) took effect in New York on March 1, after the expiration of a longstanding statewide waiver. Under the new rules, certain New Yorkers aged 18 to 64 without a child under 14 – who are not pregnant or caring for a person who cannot care for themselves, and who do not have a disability that prevents them from working – are now required to meet work or activity requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits beyond three months in a three-year period.

Tips for Impacted New Yorkers

• Notify Your Local SNAP District Office of Work Activities: To remain eligible for SNAP, you may need to complete at least 80 hours per month of paid work, volunteer service, or other approved training activities.
• Explore Possible Exemptions: If you earn at least a certain income level (for example, over $217.50 per week), you may be exempt from the ABAWD rules without 80 hours of work. You may also be eligible to claim an exemption if you have health barriers, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances that affect your ability to meet the work requirement. Contact your local district to discuss your situation and provide any required documentation.
• Use Available Resources: SNAP Employment & Training programs, job centers, and community organizations can help you find work, training, or volunteer opportunities that count toward your hours.

For assistance and more information, New Yorkers can contact their local SNAP district office or visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s website.

 

 

Attorney General James Releases Top 10 Consumer Complaints of 2025

Top Fraud Categories Include Retail, Housing, Automobile, Internet, and Banking  

 

AG James Offers Tips to Avoid Scams, Urges New Yorkers to Report Fraud to Her Office

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today marked the beginning of National Consumer Protection Week by releasing a list of the top 10 consumer complaints received by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in 2025. The top complaints concerned high prices of essential goods and services, housing issues, bank fraud, and violations of online privacy. Attorney General James is also providing a variety of tips on how consumers can avoid common scams and protect their hard-earned money.

“New Yorkers are already feeling the squeeze of higher prices, and scams, hidden fees, and deceptive practices can make daily life even harder to afford,” said Attorney General James. “My office will not tolerate companies that take advantage of New Yorkers, and I am committed to enforcing the law and returning money to consumers who are cheated. I urge everyone to stay alert and report suspected scams and fraud to my office so we can continue protecting New Yorkers’ wallets.”

The following are the top 10 most common types of consumer complaints received by OAG in 2025:

Category of complaint	Common sources of fraud	Number of complaints
1. Retail Sales	Online purchases, deceptive advertising, price gouging, retail sales, defective merchandise, and poor customer service	4,809
2. Internet	Internet services and service providers, data privacy and security, digital media, and frauds through internet manipulation	4,595
3. Automobile	Car sales, service, financing, and repairs	4,521
4. Credit, Banking, and Mortgages	Debt collection, credit card billing, debt settlement, payday loans, credit repair, credit reporting agencies, identity theft, banking, loan modification scams, and mortgage lending and servicing	4,235
5. Landlord/Tenant	Security deposits, evictions, and tenant harassment	4,041
6. Consumer Services	Immigration service providers, alarm companies, dry cleaners, restaurants, movers, storage facilities, and services for personal or household use	3,330
7. Utilities	Wireless and residential phones, energy services and suppliers, and cable and satellite companies	1,423
8. Home Repair/Improvement	Repair issues, deceitful contractors, and solar panel installations	1,349
9. Entertainment	Events, concerts, ticket sales, and streaming services	1,079
10. Travel	Airline customer service, flight cancellations, and refunds	718

Attorney General James urges New York consumers who have been victims of deceptive or fraudulent practices to file a consumer complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755. To help New Yorkers protect themselves against common sources of fraud, Attorney General James released the following tips to help consumers avoid fraudulent practices and report them to OAG.

Retail Sales Online and In-Person

Algorithmic Pricing
Companies that use algorithmic pricing, also known as surveillance pricing, use customers’ personal data to set individualized prices. These pricing schemes are most commonly used on businesses’ apps or as part of loyalty programs, where consumers may receive an individualized discount offering a different, personalized price. New York’s Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act, which took effect on November 10, 2025, requires most companies that use algorithmic pricing to clearly display a disclosure notifying consumers that prices are set using their personal data.

New Yorkers can use the following tips to determine if they are being offered personalized algorithmic pricing:

• Compare the price you are offered online with the price listed for the same product offered to others. If you are offered a unique price, it may have been set using your personal data.
• Compare discounts you are offered by a company – particularly those offered within a company’s app or online account – with those offered to others. If you are receiving a discount that only you can see, it is more likely to be a personalized one set using your data.
• Compare the price of an item before and after taking an action that the business you are shopping from can track. For example, if you are offered a new price after searching for an item elsewhere online or shopping from a new location, it may be a sign that the price is set using your personal data.

Attorney General James is encouraging consumers to file complaints with OAG if they encounter algorithmic pricing that is not properly disclosed. Businesses that do not comply with the law can face a $1,000 penalty per violation.

Price Gouging
New York law prohibits businesses from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price during emergencies. The price gouging law covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services may include gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.

When reporting price gouging to OAG, consumers should:

• Report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices; and
• Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

Landlord/Tenant Issues

Security Deposits

• Your landlord must return your security deposit within 14 days of you moving out. If your landlord takes any money out of the security deposit for damages, they must provide an itemized receipt describing the damage and its cost. If your landlord does not give you this receipt within 14 days of moving out, then they must return your entire security deposit, whether there is damage or not.
• If your landlord fails to comply, you may be entitled to up to twice the amount of the security deposit.
• If your landlord does not give you back your security deposit, you can sue the landlord in small claims court or you can file a complaint with OAG by using the online Rent Security Complaint form.
• Landlords of buildings with six or more units must deposit a tenant’s security deposit into an interest-bearing account in a bank within the state that pays a prevailing rate. The landlord is required to provide notice to the tenant of the name and address of the bank where the security deposit is located. If you do not have this information or if your landlord is not placing your security deposit in an interest-bearing account, you can file a complaint with OAG by using the online Rent Security Complaint form.

Rent

• Tenants in a rent-stabilized apartment are entitled to one- or two-year renewal leases at their option and at percentage increases that are established each year by the Rent Guidelines Board. Tenants can find out if their apartment is rent stabilized by filling out this form on New York State Housing and Community Renewal’s (HCR) website and selecting “Apartment Rent History.” From the rent history, you should be able to determine if the rent went up in accordance with the rent stabilization guidelines. If it has not and you believe you are being overcharged on the rent, you can file an RA-89 form with HCR.
• Avoid signing back-dated documents from your landlord or the building management company, such as back-dated leases that were not offered to you in a timely way. Not only is signing a back-dated document inaccurate, it may also result in negative legal consequences down the road.
• If you are having trouble paying your rent, please contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS). Check DSS’s website to find their offices across the state. New York City residents can call 311 and ask about rental assistance programs. More resources are available on OAG’s website.

 

Automobile Fraud

• New York’s Lemon Laws protect consumers who buy or lease new and used cars. You may be entitled to a refund or comparable replacement car if the car you purchased does not match the terms of its written warranty and you meet other requirements. To find more information about New York’s Lemon Laws and how your vehicle may be covered, visit OAG’s website.
• Attorney General James recently took action against car manufacturers Hyundai and Kia for failing to install proper anti-theft technology in their vehicles. Owners of Hyundai and Kia cars can take the following steps to keep their cars safer from theft:
  • Check to make sure you have the latest anti-theft software on your vehicles. Consumers can contact their local Hyundai or Kia dealership or visit the Hyundai or Kia websites to determine if their vehicle model is eligible for a software upgrade.
  • Obtain free zinc ignition cylinder sleeves from your local Hyundai and Kia dealerships to protect the ignition cylinders. Installing the sleeves will make it harder for thieves to steal the cars and provide significantly more protection than the anti-theft software alone.
  • Hyundai or Kia owners who previously installed a software update from Kia intended to stop the thefts, or were scheduled to do so, but experienced a theft or attempted car theft after April 29, 2025, can file a claim for restitution. Consumers can visit the settlement website for more information about the claims process.

 

Utilities, Internet, and Residential Phone Service

• Any consumer who believes they received a high utility bill as a result of a billing error or experienced an unauthorized shutoff should report it to OAG by filing a complaint online.
• Resources are available for consumers who may need help paying their utility bill. Utilities companies offer programs and payment plans to help. In addition, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income individuals pay the cost of heating their homes. Information on how to apply is available online.
• In addition, residential customers in New York should know they have strong legal protections for essential winter weather services, including heat and hot water:
  • New York state requires utilities to make extra efforts to reach out to households before a shutoff occurs during the cold weather period, from November 1 through April 15.
  • Utilities must wait at least 35 days from when notices are past due to pursue termination of service and must provide at least 15 days’ notice before doing so.
  • Utilities cannot shut off service to residential consumers during the two-week period that includes Christmas and New Year’s Day.
  • Utilities must have trained personnel evaluate a consumer’s circumstances to determine whether there is a risk of serious impairment to a resident’s health or safety before shutting off service. When there is such a risk, utilities must also notify social services to evaluate the situation before shutting off service

 

Internet Fraud

Consumers should take the following steps to help protect themselves online from account takeovers, in which scammers gain access to personal accounts to steal personal information, read private messages, fraudulently charge credit cards, and take other nefarious actions.

• Use strong passwords. It is important to have a strong and unique password for each of your online accounts. The password does not need to be long, but it has to be complicated enough, utilizing a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Use multifactor authentication. Enable multifactor authentication when possible on your accounts. Multifactor authentication provides an extra level of security when signing into an account.
• Enable notifications of account changes. This will alert the user to any changes such as password updates or login attempts, allowing the user to take prompt action if the changes were not authorized.
• Use antivirus software. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date with the latest virus definitions. Maintain a routine of running your antivirus software periodically to catch any malware, such as a keylogger, on your computer.
• Check breached credentials databases. Check websites, such as https://haveibeenpwned.com/, to monitor which accounts of yours have suffered a data breach incident. Knowing which accounts have been compromised can help you take corrective actions, such as changing your passwords, as soon as possible.

In addition to releasing proposed rules to restrict addictive social media features and protect children’s mental health online under the SAFE for Kids Act, Attorney General James encourages parents to take the following steps to protect their children online:

• Keep consoles and PCs in high-traffic common areas (like the living room). This discourages risky behavior and allows you to indirectly monitor without hovering.
• Avoid allowing gaming devices in bedrooms, especially overnight. This helps prevent unsupervised late-night chats with strangers.
• Foster open and honest dialogue: ask your children to show you how their games work. Instead of just saying “don’t talk to strangers,” explain what bad actors do, such as grooming or social engineering, so they understand the logic behind the rules.
• Set screentime limits. Use the “Three-Legged Stool” approach—balance gaming with schoolwork and physical activity. Most consoles allow you to automate these “hard stops” at a specific time of night.
• Prioritize privacy. Reinforce that “personal information” includes more than just their name.
• Avoid saving credit card information to the console. Instead, use digital gift cards for a set amount. This prevents accidental overspending and protects your main bank account from being drained if the gaming account is hacked.
• Watch for in-game scams. Teach children that “Free Robux” or “Free Skins” offers are almost always phishing attempts designed to steal their account login.
• Always create a Parent Account first, then create a Child Account under it. This gives you the “admin” power to approve or deny friend requests and purchases from your own phone.
• You can set accounts to “Friends Only” or disable chat entirely for younger children. Enable built-in filters to automatically hide toxic language in global chats.

Credit and Banking Fraud 

Attorney General James provides the following tips to help New Yorkers avoid being scammed:

• Do not click on unsolicited links provided via text or email.
• Do not call the number provided in a pop-up, text, or email.
• Never read codes, passwords, or other security or personal information over the phone to someone who called you directly.
• Never give someone you don’t know remote access to your computer.
• Never move your money out of your bank account at the urging of someone over the phone.
• If someone claims there is an issue with your bank account, hang up and contact your financial institution by calling the number printed on your bank statement instead.
• Remember, a scam is effective because the scammer creates a circumstance that relies on pressuring the victim into life-altering decisions on the spot and swearing them to secrecy. The best way to combat this is to hang up and contact someone you trust and let them know your situation.

If you or someone you know is a victim of a banking scam, please file an online complaint or call 1-800-771-7755.

Consumers who are concerned that their personal data has been compromised can freeze their credit with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax; Experian; and TransUnion. A credit freeze lets you restrict access to your credit report, which makes it more difficult for someone to open a new account in your name. Credit freezes and unfreezes are free.

• Fraud alerts, which are also free, can be obtained for a year. When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, businesses are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that the person who is applying for credit in a particular name is indeed that person and not someone else.
• You can place a credit freeze with Experian online or by calling (888) 397-3742.
• You can place a credit freeze with Equifax online or by calling (888) 766-0008.
• You can place a credit freeze with TransUnion online or by calling (800) 680-7289.

 

Immigration Service Provider Fraud and Immigration Scams

New Yorkers should beware of scammers who pose as immigration service providers and make false promises of citizenship and residency. New York’s Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act protects immigrants from fraud and requires immigration service providers to operate lawfully.

Immigration service providers are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or representation. New York law requires service providers to follow certain rules — including posting signs explicitly stating they are not attorneys — to protect immigrants from scams and fraud. Under New York law, immigration service providers cannot:

• Provide legal advice;
• Use the title of “attorney,” “notary public” (unless they are licensed by the state), “accredited representative,” “notario publico,” “notario,” “immigration specialist,” or “immigration consultant”;
• Imply that he or she can obtain special favors with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or any other governmental entity;
• Threaten to report a consumer to U.S. Department of Homeland Security or other authorities, or threaten to undermine a consumer’s immigration status;
• Demand or retain fees for services not performed, or services to be performed in the future, or costs that have not been incurred; or
• Advise, direct, or permit a consumer to provide a false statement on a government document or in a discussion with a government official.

Immigration Service Providers are also required by law to use contracts that:

• Are in a language understood by the consumer;
• Include an itemization of all services to be provided and fees to be charged; and
• State, “You may cancel your contract at any time. You have three business days to cancel this contract without fee or penalty and get back any fees that you have already paid.”

Only work with a licensed lawyer or an authorized immigration services provider, never sign blank applications or documents you do not understand, and do not pay by cash or by wire transfer. If you have been a victim of immigration fraud or received unauthorized legal advice on immigration matters, please contact the Attorney General’s Immigration Services Fraud Unit Hotline at (212) 416-6149 or file a complaint online. If you are in need of an attorney or accredited representative in an immigration matter, please contact either the New York State Bar Association online or at (800) 342-3661, or the American Immigration Lawyers Association online or at (202) 507-7600 for a referral.

Home Improvement

• Before deciding to install solar panels on your home, thoroughly research the companies and the different products available before making a decision and consult OAG’s guide for home solar power.
• Greater demand for contractors may make it harder for you to find a reputable contractor to make badly needed repairs. Some contractors may overextend themselves and promise more than they can deliver. Natural disasters and major weather events often attract scam artists who try to take advantage of you and other consumers when you are most vulnerable. After a big weather event, be especially vigilant to avoid being victimized as you attempt to put your life back in order.
• Consumers should use the following tips to protect themselves:
  • Be wary of anyone who shows up at your door unsolicited and offers to do home repairs.
  • Non-local contractors may be difficult to track down if they perform work incorrectly or if you later have additional problems that you want them to fix.
  • Use a contractor with a name, address, and contact number you can verify.
  • Don’t fall prey to high-pressure tactics. A legitimate contractor won’t pressure you to sign a contract and hand over a deposit on the spot.
  • Never give a contractor a cash deposit before you sign a contract.
  • Always do your homework before you hire a contractor:
    • Ask for references and follow up by checking with them.
    • Ask the contractor for proof of insurance.
    • Check the Better Business Bureau website for complaints.
    • Search online for any evidence that the contractor is disreputable.
    • Home-improvement contractors must be licensed in New York City, Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties, and the City of Buffalo. Before you hire a contractor, check to make sure the contractor is licensed or registered in your county.

Air Travel

• Attorney General James urges all New Yorkers with air travel plans to know their rights and take the following steps to protect themselves during their air travel:
• If a flight is significantly delayed, canceled, or if a traveler is denied boarding despite purchasing a ticket, they may be entitled to compensation. Travelers can submit complaints online and should have the following documents and materials available to provide with their complaint:
  • Booking details, such as their ticket, itinerary, and invoice;
  • Flight details, such as dates, flight numbers, and city pairs; and
  • Any supporting documentation, such as a copy of the complaint filed with the airline or ticket agent, if available.
• Travelers are entitled to a refund if an airline cancels a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel or accept travel credits, vouchers, or other forms of compensation offered by the airline.
• Travelers are eligible to receive a full refund on their ticket within 24 hours of purchasing it if the ticket is purchased more than seven days before the flight. However, most discount fares are non-refundable.
• Airlines are required to adhere to the promises that they make in their customer service plan, including commitments to care for travelers in the event of controllable delays or cancellations. Travelers should consult the United States Department of Transportation’s airline cancellation and delay dashboard to see what amenities and compensation airlines have committed to provide passengers in the event of a controllable delay or cancellation.
• If a flight is scheduled to depart within seven days, airlines are required to provide status updates within 30 minutes of the airline becoming aware of a change. The flight status information must, at a minimum, be provided on the airline’s website and telephone reservation system. The airline must also update all flight status displays and other sources of flight information at U.S. airports that are under the airline’s control within 30 minutes of the airline becoming aware of the problem.
• If an airline has overbooked a flight and not enough passengers have volunteered to give up their seats to fly on a different flight, they may select passengers to bump off the flight. Passengers who are bumped may be entitled to compensation and must receive a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the airline decides who gets bumped.
• Travelers are entitled to refunds of their checked bag fees if their baggage:
  • Has been declared lost by the airline;
  • Is not delivered within 12 hours after the flight has arrived if it is on a domestic flight;
  • Is not delivered within 15 hours after the flight has arrived if the flight is international and shorter than 12 hours; or
  • Is not delivered within 30 hours after the flight has arrived if the flight is international and longer than 12 hours.

 

 

 

Attorney General James Releases Statement on Live Nation Trial

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement on new developments in her ongoing lawsuit against Live Nation/Ticketmaster for illegally monopolizing the live entertainment industry:

“For years, Live Nation has made enormous profits by exploiting its illegal monopoly and raising costs for shows. My office has led a bipartisan group of attorneys general in suing Live Nation for taking advantage of fans, venues, and artists, and we are committed to holding Live Nation accountable.

“The settlement recently announced with the U.S. Department of Justice fails to address the monopoly at the center of this case, and would benefit Live Nation at the expense of consumers. We cannot agree to it.

“My attorney general colleagues and I have a strong case against Live Nation, and we will continue our lawsuit to protect consumers and restore fair competition to the live entertainment industry.

“We will keep fighting this case without the federal government so that we can secure justice for all those harmed by Live Nation’s monopoly.”

Joining Attorney General James in continuing the lawsuit against Live Nation are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

For New York, this matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Jonathan Hatch, Luisa di Lauro, Pratik Agarwal, and Juliana Karp, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Amy McFarlane and Bureau Chief Elinor Hoffmann, all of the Antitrust Bureau. The Antitrust Bureau is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

 

Attorney General James Demands Transparency from GoFundMe on Unauthorized Fundraising Campaigns

AG James and Coalition Raise Serious Concerns Over 1.4 Million Donation Pages Created Without Charities’ Consent

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a bipartisan coalition of 19 other attorneys general and charitable regulators in sending a letter to GoFundMe raising grave concerns about the company’s creation of more than 1.4 million donation web pages for charities without their prior knowledge or consent. Attorney General James and the coalition warn that these actions may have violated state charitable solicitation and consumer protection laws, and the coalition has secured a guarantee from GoFundMe that the company will remove all pages created without authorization. The coalition is now demanding immediate confirmation and proof that GoFundMe has removed the unauthorized pages, changed its practices, and taken meaningful steps to protect charities and donors.

“When Americans open their wallets to support a charity, they deserve to know exactly where their money is going,” said Attorney General James. “By creating fundraising pages in charities’ names without their knowledge or consent, GoFundMe misled donors and put public trust in charitable giving at risk. We are demanding clear answers and meaningful reforms to ensure charities control their own fundraising and donors are fully informed.”

In October 2025, GoFundMe reportedly created donation web pages for approximately 1.4 million charities across the United States without first seeking their permission. Many charities were unaware that the pages existed until after they were published and subsequently raised concerns about misuse of their names and logos, inaccurate descriptions of their work, and confusion among donors. Some organizations reported that they were unable to control how their identities and missions were presented, creating a risk of misrepresentation and donor confusion.

In their letter, Attorney General James and the coalition note that some pages promoted incorrect charity information and failed to clearly disclose when donations were routed through a donor-advised fund rather than sent directly to the featured charity. In certain cases, the overall presentation of the pages may have given donors the impression that the fundraising campaigns were operated by or directly affiliated with the named charities when they were not. GoFundMe also reportedly applied a default “tip” of approximately 16.5 percent to contributions, with that money going directly to the company rather than the charity. In addition, the company used search engine optimization (SEO) practices that may have caused its pages to appear above official charity websites, potentially diverting donors away from legitimate fundraising efforts.

Attorney General James and the coalition warn that these practices may violate state laws that require written consent before a third party may solicit funds in a charity’s name, as well as laws that prohibit deceptive or misleading conduct in charitable fundraising.

GoFundMe has acknowledged that creating fundraising webpages for charities without consent was wrong and committed to taking corrective actions, including the removal of all plagiarized pages. With this letter, the coalition is following up on GoFundMe’s promises to demand that the company provide proof that all unauthorized donation pages have been removed and confirm that prior written consent is now required before any charity donation page is created. They are also seeking a detailed explanation of the company’s takedown procedures and clarification of how it has modified its SEO practices to ensure charities are not disadvantaged. The states have requested a formal response within 14 days, with additional investigative steps to follow if necessary.

Joining Attorney General James in this letter are the attorneys general of California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin and the charitable regulatory agencies of South Carolina and Tennessee.

 

 

Attorney General James Defends Public Safety and Immigrant Communities in New York City

AG James Files Amicus Brief Defending New York City’s Laws Limiting Involvement in Civil Immigration Enforcement to Keep Communities Safe

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James took action to defend longstanding New York City laws that enhance public safety and protect immigrant communities throughout the city. In an amicus brief filed in a case brought by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) challenging New York City’s sanctuary city laws, Attorney General James argues that these policies limiting city law enforcement and other city officials’ involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement are essential for public safety. New York City’s laws protect New Yorkers by allowing immigrants to interact with local law enforcement to report crimes, serve as witnesses, and seek help without fear. In addition, these policies focus local law enforcement efforts on public safety priorities such as fighting crime and reducing gun violence. Attorney General James is urging the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York to grant New York City’s motion to dismiss DOJ’s lawsuit.

“New York City’s sanctuary laws help keep our communities safe,” said Attorney General James. “Our city was built by immigrants, and this administration’s attempts to overturn local laws that protect them are unjust and unconstitutional. I will always defend New York’s immigrant communities and uphold the rule of law.”

New York City’s sanctuary laws originated in the 1980s and have been supported by both Republican and Democratic mayoral administrations. These laws limit city officials’ participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, and like many other cities’ similar policies, ensure local law enforcement resources are spent on local public safety priorities. These laws also build trust between immigrant communities and city officials. Ample research has shown that policies like New York City’s enhance public safety by allowing immigrants to contact local law enforcement and other city officials without risking their or their loved ones’ immigration status. Importantly, the city’s laws do not limit cooperation between local and federal authorities on criminal matters.

In July 2025, DOJ sued New York City, challenging its laws limiting participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. In the amicus brief, Attorney General James argues that these laws are consistent with both state and federal laws and are not preempted. New York law does not give local law enforcement the authority to arrest or detain people for civil immigration violations, even at the request of federal immigration authorities.

Attorney General James also explains that New York City’s sanctuary laws make the city safer. One study found that half of immigrants, including more than two-thirds of those who are undocumented, reported that they were less likely to report or offer information about crimes to local police for fear that officers would inquire about their or others’ immigration status. By limiting city officials’ involvement in immigration enforcement, immigrants are encouraged to report crimes, serve as witnesses, and seek health care and other services from the city without fearing for their safety.

Policies like New York City’s also help local law enforcement focus resources on the most immediate public safety threats. Requiring the city’s law enforcement to assist in federal civil immigration enforcement would divert critical time and money from other public safety priorities. Attorney General James is urging the court to grant New York City’s motion to dismiss DOJ’s lawsuit, allowing the city’s laws to stand.

Attorney General James has been a national leader in fighting to protect and defend immigrant communities. Attorney General James has filed amicus briefs defending Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nepal, and Honduras. In November 2025, Attorney General James filed a lawsuit to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for tens of thousands of lawful permanent residents in New York. Also in November, Attorney General James successfully defended New York’s law that prevents civil arrests at state courthouses. In September 2025, Attorney General James won a court order preventing the Trump administration from tying Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding to state immigration enforcement actions. In July 2025, Attorney General James filed an amicus brief defending Rochester’s sanctuary city laws.

 

 

 

Attorney General James Takes Action to Protect New Yorkers from Illegal Guns

AG James Intervenes in Federal Lawsuit to Defend Century-Old Law Preventing Handgun Shipments Through United States Postal Service

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined the attorneys general of New Jersey and Delaware to defend a longstanding federal law that keeps communities and postal workers safe from dangerous firearms. Section 1715 of the U.S. criminal code prevents using the United States Postal Service (USPS) to mail handguns and other firearms that can be concealed. In January 2026, the Trump administration’s Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion finding that Section 1715 violates the Second Amendment at least in some applications. The next day, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) submitted a legal filing in a pending lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Section 1715 and declined to defend the constitutionality of the nearly century-old law. Attorney General James and the coalition of attorneys general today filed a motion to intervene in the case, with a proposed motion for summary judgment seeking a ruling from the court dismissing the lawsuit.

“Firearms trafficked from other states are a major source of gun violence in communities across New York,” said Attorney General James. “Laws like Section 1715 are critical to our efforts to stop the flood of dangerous weapons that are putting New Yorkers at risk. If the federal government won’t defend this law to keep people safe, we will.”

In 1927, Congress passed Section 1715 to prevent the use of USPS to evade state and local gun laws and make it more difficult for criminals to get access to firearms. The law generally prohibits shipping concealable firearms through USPS, with an exception for federally licensed manufacturers and dealers.

As Attorney General James and the coalition argue in their motion, overturning Section 1715 would significantly undermine public safety by making it harder for states to enforce gun safety laws and dramatically increasing costs for law enforcement. Eliminating the law would create a loophole that would make it easier for those who are prohibited by states from possessing firearms – including those with domestic violence restraining orders or in a mental health crisis – to obtain them. The USPS has no legal obligation to ensure the packages it ships comply with states’ gun safety laws. As a result, state law enforcement would have to spend significant resources creating entirely new investigative and tracking systems to address the unregulated mailing of concealable firearms, including ghost guns, through USPS.

Attorney General James and the coalition argue in their motion for summary judgment that Section 1715 is constitutional and should be upheld. The law does not implicate the Second Amendment because it only regulates a particular method of transferring firearms, and does not restrict the right to “keep” or “bear” arms. In addition, the law follows a long history of regulations limiting what can be shipped via the Postal Service dating back to the founding era of the United States.

As Attorney General James and the coalition explain, the Postal Service has restricted what can be mailed ever since its formal establishment in 1792. Until 1879, the Postal Service limited mail to either papers like letters, newspapers, and pamphlets, or to a list of “mailable” goods that excluded all firearms. When the Postal Service began permitting the mailing of pistols or revolvers in the late 1800s, postal workers were put in significant danger as loaded guns and explosives were regularly sent through the mail. Congress passed Section 1715 after the Postmaster General warned that permitting firearm shipping through the mail was allowing people to circumvent state and local gun laws. The law passed with overwhelming support in Congress, as well as the support of local law enforcement agencies in cities across the country, including the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Attorney General James and the attorneys general of Delaware and New Jersey today filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit and a motion for summary judgment, urging the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania to dismiss the lawsuit and uphold the constitutionality of Section 1715.

Attorney General James has consistently taken action to protect New Yorkers from gun violence and illegal firearms. In February, Attorney General James announced a settlement to stop the sale of a gun accessory that aided the Buffalo shooter in 2022. In January, Attorney General James announced the indictment of the owner of Indie Guns for shipping firearms, ghost guns, and firearm parts and accessories to New York. In October 2024, Attorney General James announced the takedown of a major gun trafficking operation in Queens. In March 2024, Attorney General James secured a $7.8 million judgment against Indie Guns for illegally selling ghost gun components in New York. The judgment was the result of a 2022 lawsuit against Indie Guns and other national gun manufacturers for selling and shipping ghost gun components to New Yorkers. Through gun buyback events and other enforcement efforts, Attorney General James has taken more than 9,600 guns off New York streets.

For New York, this matter is being handled by Special Counsel James Thompson of the Division of State Counsel, Special Counsel Molly Thomas-Jensen of the Executive Division, Assistant Solicitor General Danny Li, and Deputy Solicitor General Ester Murdukhayeva of the Division of Appeals and Opinions, with assistance from Legal Aide Alex Pan and Senior Librarians Samuel Braden and Christina Penseiro. The Division of Appeals and Opinions is overseen by Solicitor General Barbara Underwood. Both the Division of State Counsel and the Executive Division are overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

Attorney General James Reminds Tenants of Their Rights Amid Winter Storm

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today reminded tenants across New York of their rights as winter weather brings freezing temperatures, snow, and ice to communities statewide. Landlords are required by law to provide essential services, including adequate heat and hot water, and to maintain safe conditions in and around residential buildings.

“Even during the harshest winter storms, tenants have the right to safe and livable homes,” said Attorney General James. “Landlords are legally required to provide heat and hot water and to ensure that common areas and building entrances are safe and accessible. No New Yorker should be left in the cold or forced to navigate dangerous, icy conditions. My office is urging tenants to know their rights and to speak up if those rights are not being respected.”

Heat Requirements
During the heating season, which runs from October 1 through May 31, building owners must provide heat under the following conditions:

• Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside temperature must be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the inside temperature must be at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the outside temperature.

Hot Water Requirements
Tenants are entitled to hot water 365 days a year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Tenants without appropriate heat or hot water should first notify their landlord. If the landlord does not respond or fails to address the issue, tenants may file a complaint:

• In New York City, by contacting the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) by calling 311, TTY (212) 504-4115, or filing a complaint online through 311.
• Outside of New York City, by contacting their local code enforcement office in their town or county.

Rent regulated tenants may also be eligible for a rent reduction if essential services are not provided. New Yorkers who believe they may be eligible for a reduction can file a complaint with New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

Snow and Ice Removal Responsibilities
Property owners are also responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, steps, and other entrances and exits to ensure safe passage. In New York City, property owners must clear at least a four-foot-wide path on sidewalks in front of their buildings. If snow or ice has frozen over, salt, sand, or a similar material must be spread to prevent slipping. Snow must be cleared within the following timeframes:

• If snowfall ends between 7 a.m. and 4:59 p.m., sidewalks must be cleared within four hours.
• If snowfall ends between 5 p.m. and 8:59 p.m., sidewalks must be cleared within 14 hours.
• If snowfall ends between 9 p.m. and 6:59 a.m., sidewalks must be cleared by 11 a.m.

Tenants are generally only responsible for snow removal if they have exclusive control of the property or have specifically agreed in their lease or another written agreement to take on that responsibility.

Attorney General James encourages tenants experiencing unsafe or unlawful conditions to document issues, notify their landlord in writing, and contact the appropriate local agency if the problem is not resolved. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) remains committed to protecting tenants’ rights and ensuring that New Yorkers are safe during severe winter weather. Anyone who feels that their rights have been violated can file a complaint with OAG online or by calling 1-800-771-7755.

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