Health enforcement case: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, along with a coalition of states, filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's overhaul of the childhood immunization schedule. The complaint alleges that HHS Secretary RFK Jr. and CDC officials bypassed federal law, ignored scientific evidence, and endangered children by demoting key vaccines from the recommended schedule. The states seek to declare the actions unlawful and enjoin the new policy.
The lawsuit seeks a court order to vacate the new immunization schedule and the unlawful ACIP appointments, and to enjoin their implementation.
In-house legal teams should review contracts with healthcare providers, schools, childcare facilities, and government grantees that incorporate federal immunization requirements. Key clauses to examine include: (1) compliance with CDC immunization schedules and ACIP recommendations; (2) obligations to follow federal health directives or 'current' guidelines; (3) representations regarding adherence to scientifically validated health policies; and (4) force majeure or change-in-law provisions triggered by federal policy shifts. Given the lawsuit challenges the legality of the revised schedule and ACIP's composition, contracts may need amendments to: (a) clarify which version of the immunization schedule governs (pre- or post-January 2026); (b) add language allowing for adjustments if a court invalidates the new policy; and (c) ensure references to 'CDC recommendations' or 'federal standards' are interpreted as those issued through lawful processes.
Entity
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Also known as: Department of Health and Human Services
Industry
Other"names Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Jay Bhattacharya, and the CDC and HHS as defendants."
"ignored the scientific qualifications required by ACIP’s own charter and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)."
"Complaint alleges RFK Jr. and CDC bypassed federal law, ignored scientific evidence, and endangered children by gutting recommended childhood vaccines."
Attorney General Dan Rayfield and a coalition of 21 attorneys general and Pennsylvania filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Transportation, FMCSA, and AAMVA to block demands for a database containing personal information of 17 million commercial drivers. The federal government threatened to withhold $10 million in funding unless the data was turned over, which the coalition argues violates privacy law.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield co-led a coalition of 10 states in a federal lawsuit against the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to block a rule that invalidates state laws requiring mortgage lenders to pay interest on escrow accounts. The lawsuit argues the OCC's rule oversteps federal authority, gives national banks a competitive advantage over state-chartered banks, and takes money away from homeowners.
A federal judge ruled that Nexstar Media Group violated a court order requiring it to keep TEGNA Inc. operating as an independent company while a multistate antitrust lawsuit challenging the merger proceeds. The court found that Nexstar installed its own executives on TEGNA's board, failed to disclose the appointments, and lacked candor with the court. The court ordered Nexstar to comply immediately, file status reports, respond to discovery, and turn over board and financial documents, with a special master to oversee compliance.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, joined by a coalition of 23 other states, the District of Columbia, and two governors, sued the Trump administration to block a new policy by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) that would allow federal officials to access private records of millions of TANF recipients. The coalition argues the policy illegally shares sensitive personal data, including Social Security numbers and immigration status, with other federal agencies and private organizations, violating the Administrative Procedure Act and the Spending Clause. The lawsuit seeks to declare the policy illegal and block it from taking effect.
Attorney General Dan Rayfield and 49 other state attorneys general sent a letter to the FCC urging stronger 'Know Your Customer' rules to combat illegal robocalls. The coalition requests that phone companies verify customer identities and business practices to prevent scammers from using the network. The letter is part of Phase 2 of Operation Robocall Roundup.
Attorney General Rayfield and a coalition of 49 other attorneys general sent a letter to the FCC urging it to strengthen its Know Your Customer (KYC) rules to combat illegal robocalls. The coalition recommends requiring providers to understand customers' business, applying KYC standards to all providers, and collecting additional information on high-risk customers. No monetary penalty was imposed.