Montana State Executive - Attorney General
State Government: Executive Offices | Attorney General / Department of Justice
Recent News About Montana State Executive - Attorney General
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Montana authorities arrest eight in human trafficking operation
The Montana Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), in collaboration with the Missoula County Sheriff's Office and the Missoula Police Department, carried out a human trafficking operation in Missoula this week.
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Red Lodge man receives 20-year sentence for assaulting infant
A Red Lodge resident, Nathan Samuel Polakoff, has been sentenced to 20 years in the Montana State Prison following his conviction for assaulting a 9-month-old child in 2019. Attorney General Austin Knudsen made the announcement on October 24, 2024. The incident left the child, now six years old, with a fractured skull and enduring partial blindness along with significant cognitive challenges.
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Montana sues TikTok over alleged harm and deception targeting youth
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has initiated legal action against TikTok, accusing the platform of exposing children and teenagers to harmful content and engaging in deceptive practices. The lawsuit, filed under the Montana Consumer Protection Act, follows an investigation by the Montana Department of Justice which revealed that TikTok provides "virtually endless amounts of extreme and mature videos" to users as young as thirteen.
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Attorney general issues opinion on voter eligibility of felons at state hospital
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has issued an official opinion regarding the voting rights of felons undergoing psychiatric treatment at Warm Springs, the Montana State Hospital. The opinion states that these individuals are prohibited from voting, similar to those serving sentences in other correctional facilities. This decision was made following a request from Lake County Attorney James Lapotka.
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Attorneys general challenge Biden-Harris administration's new immigration rule
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has spearheaded a coalition of seven attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit against a rule from the Biden-Harris administration. The rule, known as "Parole-in-Place" (PIP), permits illegal immigrants to stay in the United States with potential employment opportunities and access to public benefits. The brief was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
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Montana man pleads guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material
A Montana man has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of children after authorities discovered child sexual abuse material on his cell phone. The plea was entered in Hill County District Court, as announced by Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
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Montana allocates $3.5 million from J&J settlement to aid child advocacy centers
Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced that the Montana Department of Justice will allocate an additional $3.5 million to support Montana Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs). This funding aims to enhance the care and response for child survivors of crime and abuse across the state. The funds originate from a recent settlement with Johnson & Johnson, resolving allegations that the company sold baby powder containing carcinogenic asbestos.
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Montana secures $900K from multi-state unclaimed property settlement
HELENA – Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today that Montana will receive over $900,000 in a multi-state settlement, ending the outstanding damages phase of an unclaimed property dispute with Delaware.
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Montana Highway Patrol commissions three new troopers in Helena ceremony
The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) commissioned three new troopers at a graduation ceremony in Helena on Friday. Attorney General Austin Knudsen and MHP Colonel Kurt Sager addressed the new troopers before their badge pinning and taking the oath of office.
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Montana launches naloxone kit program for schools amid rising fentanyl crisis
Attorney General Knudsen announces new program to put life-saving naloxone kits in schools
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Montana Highway Patrol emphasizes safety as students return to school
The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) is reminding motorists to adhere to school bus and school zone traffic laws as students return to the classroom. By following these regulations and taking necessary precautions, drivers can help ensure the safety of Montana students.
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Coalition led by Montana AG questions top asset managers' support for environmental proposals
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has led a coalition of 24 attorneys general in seeking answers from the nation's top asset managers regarding their support for environmental shareholder proposals. The letter, sent Thursday to 25 asset managers, raises concerns about potential violations of fiduciary duties by these managers. The proposals in question were recommended by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and flagged by the environmental activist group Ceres.
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Montana AG investigates MSCI Inc. for alleged anti-Israel actions
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has initiated an investigation into MSCI Inc., a prominent investment firm, over allegations of engaging in boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) actions against Israel. The investigation is being conducted under Montana’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits discriminatory business practices.
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Montana launches curriculum on combating human trafficking
Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the launch of a human trafficking course developed by the Montana Department of Justice to raise awareness and educate Montana students about human trafficking and online exploitation.
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Montana DCI investigates officer-involved shooting in Valley County
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an officer-involved critical incident that occurred late Saturday night in Valley County.
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Attorney General Knudsen urges Montanans to safeguard identity after alleged data hack
HELENA – Attorney General Austin Knudsen is encouraging Montanans to be vigilant and take measures to protect their identity following reports that billions of records, including social security numbers and other sensitive information, may have been compromised.
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Attorney General Knudsen responds to Supreme Court decision on Title IX
The United States Supreme Court has blocked the Biden-Harris administration from enforcing its Title IX rule, which has been criticized for endangering the rights and safety of girls and young women. In response to the decision, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a statement expressing his approval.
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Attorneys general seek answers from online retailer over alleged CCP ties and labor violations
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in seeking answers from online retailer Temu concerning alleged connections with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), data collection and sharing practices, and potential violations of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
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Attorney General Knudsen leads challenge against Biden-Harris voter registration initiative
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has led a coalition of attorneys general in challenging the Biden-Harris administration’s voter registration initiative. The coalition argues that Executive Order 14019, signed by President Biden in 2021, unlawfully directs federal agencies to engage in voter registration activities using funds allocated by Congress.
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Attorneys general urge EPA for uniform pesticide label rules
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has joined a coalition of attorneys general urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a new rule for uniform labeling requirements on pesticide products nationwide. The proposed rule aims to streamline the process and prevent misbranding by states like California, thereby alleviating burdens on farmers across the country.