Counsel for the State

Idaho AG Consumer Protection Specialist Rachelle Littau joins Counsel for the State Co-host Scott Graf to discuss the office's participation in National Consumer Protection Week, new twists on established scams, and the top 10 complaints in the AG's annual Consumer Protection Report for 2021. 

The Cooperative Disability Investigations Program, or CDI, is a partnership between the federal government and the State of Idaho to root out fraud and waste in federal and state disability programs. The partnership was established in 2019 and is similar to other operations across the country. In this episode, Counsel for the State Co-host Scott Graf discusses the program and its successes with Deputy Assistant Inspector General for CDI Investigations Don Jefferson. 

Idaho is part of three cases in which states are suing the federal government over the Biden administration's vaccine mandates. In this episode of Counsel for the State, we discuss legal concerns with the mandates, the status of each of the three cases, how the issue may ultimately be settled, and more. 

One  of the most important roles of the Office of the Attorney General is to provide legal counsel and analysis to clients. Sometimes that can be a simple answer conveyed in a phone call or email. Other times, though, exhaustive research and a lengthy analysis are in order. In this episode of Counsel for the State, we examine what the opinion writing process includes. With co-hosts Scott Graf and Brian Kane. 

Idaho's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit has long faced a backlog of cases. To help address the problem, the unit this year developed a training program so its investigators can share their specialized skills and processes with other law enforcement agencies across the state. The goal? To increase the number of Idaho law enforcement officers who are equipped to investigate internet crimes against children. In this episode, host Scott Graf talks with ICAC Criminal Investigator Tamara Pittz, who helped oversee the program's development. 

Raj Jaladi is researching a book that will highlight the role state AGs play in the American system of government. Raj, 15, is a St. Louis-area high school sophomore who this week visited the Idaho Capitol to interview Attorney General Lawrence Wasden. Co-hosts Brian Kane and Scott Graf talk with Raj about his interest in the work of AGs, its origins, his future goals and what he does for fun when he's not writing books about American government. 

Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Unit Commander Chris McCormick discusses his unit's recent work, how the COVID pandemic has increased investigators' work loads, and what the unit is doing to grow its ranks across the state. With co-hosts Brian Kane and Scott Graf. 

Counsel for the State kicks off its third season with a discussion about Idaho's certificates of review and the role they play in the state's initiative process. These legal analyses are performed by the Office of the Attorney General as a means of identifying potential legal issues with a proposed initiative before it goes to the voters. With co-hosts Scott Graf and Brian Kane, and Deputy Attorney General Robert Berry. 

In this episode, we revisit Idaho's laws dealing with open meetings and public records. Chief Deputy Brian Kane addresses frequently asked questions of these two important laws meant to increase Idahoans' access to local and state government. Who enforces the law? How does new technology affect the law? What changes may be on the horizon? 

In this episode of Counsel for the State, we revisit the topic of government transparency by examining a high-profile example that's especially important this time of year: Idaho in Session. The online streaming service is a joint project that allows Idahoans all over the state the opportunity to watch their state government in action. We explore how it works, its history and the role it plays in open government. With Idaho Public Television Director of Content Jeff Tucker and co-hosts Brian Kane and Scott Graf.

The 2020 election was historic for its turnout, the way many Idahoans voted and the fact that it was held during a once-in-a-century pandemic. So how did things go? Why was Idaho able to count its votes so quickly? What are the key takeaways? And what issues will election supervisors be working on as they turn their attention to the next big vote? Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck and Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane join co-hosts Brian Kane and Scott Graf for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of Idaho elections. Recorded Nov. 18, 2020.

Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane joins Scott Graf to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected state government, the authority various government entities have to protect public health, and where Idaho's Open Meeting Law currently stands. Recorded Nov. 3, 2020.

Idaho Supreme Court Justice Robyn Brody joins Counsel for the State for a wide-ranging discussion about everything from the court's role in state government and its behind-the-scenes process for issuing opinions, to her campaign for office and affinity for the Ford Pinto. With co-hosts Scott Graf and Brian Kane.

Idaho lawmakers will convene in Boise August 24 for a special session associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Special legislative sessions aren't frequent occurrences in Idaho, but they have happened with some regularity at various points in the state's history. In this episode of Counsel for the State, Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane discusses the law around special sessions, the governor's role in the process, and offers some historical perspective.

Did you know Idahoans donate to more than 4,500 charities and non-profits each year? These entities hold more than $9 billion in assets and employ more than 50,000 people. And during the 2020 legislative session, Idaho lawmakers created a new law to help beef up oversight. During this episode of Counsel for the State, we discuss the new law, its origins and the attorney general's role in enforcing it. With guests Brian Kane and Brett DeLange.

In the first episode of Counsel for the State's second season, we explore consumer protection issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer Protection Division Chief Brett DeLange joins Brian Kane and Scott Graf to discuss Idaho's price gouging law and COVID-19-related scams.

The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division interacts with more than 1,000 Idahoans each month. Assisting these constituents is a team of dedicated OAG employees who do some of the division’s most important and visible work. They are not attorneys, but rather specialists who must be well-versed in things like fraud, the latest scams, motor vehicle issues as well as landlord and tenant matters. Guests include Lee Post and Rachelle Littau, two specialists who help Idahaons with consumer-related issues every day.

One of Attorney General Lawrence Wasden's highest profile roles as the state's attorney is advising lawmakers during their annual legislative session. With the 2020 session underway, OAG legislative liaison Brian Kane sits down with Counsel for the State host Scott Graf to discuss the working relationship between the Office of the Attorney General and state lawmakers.

Idaho state government is made up of a number of offices and departments we hear about on a regular basis. But it’s also comprised of numerous agencies, commissions, bureaus and boards that don’t often make headlines, but that play an important role in our state’s day-to-day. In this episode of Counsel for the State, we’ll introduce you to a body that plays a very important function in our state, but that sometimes flies under the radar: the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses.

Earlier this month, Idahoans went to the polls and cast ballots on Election Day. In most contests, the outcomes were clear. In a few others, that was not the case. In this episode of Counsel for the State, we discuss post-election matters that can involve the Office of the Attorney General. With Deputy Attorney General Robert Berry and Assistant Chief Deputy Brian Kane.

Our 10th podcast examines an issue near and dear to Attorney General Lawrence Wasden: government transparency. Journalist Betsy Russell joins A.G. Wasden and Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane to discuss the state's open meeting and public records laws, as well as the annual seminars the office conducts to educate reporters, citizens and government officials on transparency.

An in-depth visit with officials from Idaho Legal Aid Services, a non-profit law firm that helps low income Idahoans access the state's legal system through advocacy and education. With Executive Director Jim Cook and Deputy Director Sunrise Ayers.

The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) was formed in 1907 and has members representing 56 American states and other jurisdictions. But what does it do? And how does a state like Idaho benefit from being part of such a group? We explore those questions and much more with NAAG Executive Director Chris Toth and Deputy Executive Director Al Lama during their recent visit to Boise.

Housed in the Attorney General's Criminal Law Division, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Unit is tasked with an incredibly important duty. Officers investigate crimes in which suspects have used the internet to prey on young people. This episode offers a glimpse into the unit, as well as tips and resources for parents to help keep their kids safe online. With ICAC Commander Chris McCormick and Investigator Mark Dalton.

The office recently announced a $600 million settlement with Equifax over a major data breach in 2017. Deputy Attorneys General Brian Kane and Jane Hochberg join Counsel for the State Host Scott Graf to discuss the breach, the AG's role in the settlement, as well as steps affected consumers can now take to secure restitution.

Idaho Controller Brandon Woolf is in charge of spending about $10 billion in state money each year. As part of an effort to increase government transparency, his office recently launched a new website, Transparent.Idaho.gov, to make it easier for citizens, policy makers and journalists to track how the state spends money. Controller Woolf joins Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane and Counsel for the State Host Scott Graf to discuss the state-of-the-art website and what he hopes will result from the increased access.

With the 4th of July just around the corner, Deputy Attorneys General Brian Kane and Paul Panther delve into the specifics of Idaho's fireworks laws. The discussion includes what is and isn't legal, and who is in charge of enforcement.

CBD and hemp are both high-profile in issues in Idaho. In this episode of Counsel for the State, three deputy attorneys general discuss state and federal laws surrounding these issues, as well as who's responsible for enforcing applicable Idaho law. With Brian Kane, Paul Panther and John McKinney.

Robocalls are a technological plague. Seemingly everyone has been targeted by a scam. What's an Idahoan to do? In this episode of Counsel for the State, we discuss ways consumers can protect themselves against both. Includes Consumer Protection Division Chief Brett DeLange and Assistant Chief Deputy Brian Kane.

What exactly does the Idaho Attorney General do? In the first episode of Counsel for the State, we explore the Attorney General's role in our government. We take a look at his duties as the state's attorney, while also delving into some of the limits placed on the office's authority. With Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and Assistant Chief Deputy Brian Kane.

A brief summary of the new podcast from the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, Counsel for the State. Coming spring 2019.