In March 2023, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) hosted its 2023 Attorney General Symposium and Presidential Summit in Philadelphia. Several State AGs and their staff members attended the meetings. Among the topics discussed, the panels involving artificial intelligence (AI) and organized retail crime (ORC) provided particularly relevant and pressing commentary. The Presidential Summit focused on NAAG President and Ohio AG Dave Yost’s presidential initiative, highlighting the need for the continued veteran support even after their tours of duty end.
State AGs Are Wary of AI
In a session led by Colorado Chief Deputy Attorney General Natalie Hanlon Leh, panelists explored the basics of AI and how it affects people’s everyday lives and futures. Discussions included how AI is integrated into industries, such as financial services, criminal justice, human resources, health care, and social media. Although they acknowledged the AI’s benefits, the panelists expressed the need for continued ethical and regulatory review to combat embedded biases and to establish built-in guardrails to help manage unforeseen harms.
Regulators View Retailers as Partners in the Fight Against Organized Retail Crime
Illinois AG Kwame Raoul led a panel organized by the NAAG and the Attorney General Alliance, exploring how state AGs can play a crucial role in combatting organized retail crime. Panelists included National Retail Federation Vice President Christian Becker, Georgia Deputy AG John Fowler, and Homeland Security Investigations Division Chief James Stull who discussed their efforts to protect retailers and consumers from the harmful effects of ORC, while holding those engaged in the crime accountable. One theme permeating the discussion covered the importance of private-public partnerships in combatting ORC. The panelists also examined legislation to help coordinate efforts between the different agencies, further bolstering the AGs’ efforts in combatting ORC.
Ohio AG Yost Rallies Support for Veterans
During the NAAG Presidential Summit, veterans and panelists shared insight and highlighted how state AGs can support veterans. AG Yost spotlighted the veterans response programs he helped develop across Ohio, which unite law enforcement, the courts, and community resources to help struggling veterans more effectively.
