News Releases

WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN   

Fights federal overreach to protect Virginians’ finances and data privacy 

RICHMOND, Va. – Attorney General Jay Jones continued taking action against federal overreach into Virginians’ finances and data privacy, while celebrating Pride Month and honoring gun violence victims and survivors with Wear Orange Day. 

Protecting Virginians’ Financial Futures 

Virginia joined a coalition of states writing in opposition to a U.S. Department of Labor proposal that would put Americans retirement savings in jeopardy. Hardworking Virginians should have peace of mind that their retirement savings are being invested with great care and those who mishandle these funds should be held accountable. 

PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Coalition Opposing Plan to Weaken Federal Protections for Retirement Investments 

“From record high gas prices to tariffs, at the hands of the current presidential administration, Virginians are rightfully worrying about their financial security. This proposal will jeopardize their financial future further, by creating a loophole for fiduciaries to invest the money of hardworking Virginians in knowingly risky assets without strong oversight,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “This office will continue to use every legal resource available to fight for a stable, prosperous financial future for the people of the Commonwealth, and hold those who stand to profit from those imprudent investments accountable.”   

WRIC: Attorney General Jay Jones joins coalition opposing Trump retirement investment proposal 

Attorney General Jay Jones (D) has joined a coalition of 24 states in opposing a proposal related to retirement investments from President Donald Trump’s administration. 

In a comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor the morning of Monday, June 1, the coalition argued that the proposed rule would increase workers’ and retirees’ exposure to alternative assets that are often volatile and less familiar to investors. This potentially puts millions of Americans’ retirement savings at greater risk of “catastrophic financial losses.” 

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Jones’ office argued that Congress previously set a high standard for fiduciaries of 401(k) plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. 

 The standard requires them to choose and monitor investment options with care to ensure the financial soundness of the plans workers rely on for a secure retirement. 

“They could face government enforcement or lawsuits from the workers or retirees who lose money if fiduciaries “do not meet the standard set by law,” Jones’ office noted. 

Jones’ office argues that the proposed rule would open the door to endangering Virginians’ futures, with the letter noting that the loss of retirement income could force workers to work beyond retirement age, potentially harming their health and safety. 

As a result, seniors who lose portions of their retirement savings would also have to rely on federal and state public assistance programs, per the attorneys general office. 

Protecting Virginians’ Data Privacy 

Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition of attorneys general and state agencies in opposition to federal legislation that will effectively void Virginia’s comprehensive and robust data privacy laws and replace it with significantly weaker protections.  

PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Opposes Federal Legislation That Would Weaken State Privacy Protections    

“Virginians deserve data privacy laws that protect them from exploitation and create an avenue for just recourse when their rights are violated. The SECURE Data Act is another wolf in sheep’s clothing, claiming security on the surface but weakening Virginians privacy at its core,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “Virginians trust their state leaders to enact and enforce laws that fit their needs and protect their rights. This law does exactly the opposite, and I urge Congress to vote no.”  

Celebrating Pride Month 

On June 1, the Office of the Attorney General marked the start of Pride Month and reasserts its commitment to serving LGBTQ+ Virginians and keeping communities safe. 

PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Celebrates PRIDE Month 

“Across Virginia, LGBTQ+ individuals contribute to our communities as teachers, first responders, small business owners, public servants, and so much more, which is why I’m so proud to honor the resilience, joy, and courage of LGBTQ+ Virginians today in celebrating PRIDE Month,” said Attorney General Jones. “It is also a time to reflect on the important work that lies ahead to ensure that every Virginian can live and love openly and authentically without fear. That is why my office is working tirelessly to rebuild our Office of Civil Rights in order to stand up for and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Virginians.” 

Wear Orange Day 

On June 5, the Office of the Attorney General honored the victims, survivors, families, and communities impacted by gun violence. The national Wear Orange campaign began as a way to honor Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old high school student who was shot and killed on a Chicago playground. 

PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Observes Wear Orange Day  

“Gun violence is not an abstract issue. It impacts families, schools, and neighborhoods in every corner of Virginia. When we wear orange today, we honor the lives lost, stand with survivors, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of ending the preventable epidemic of gun violence,” Attorney General Jones said. “Thanks to the hard work of the General Assembly, beginning July 1, this office will be able to hold the firearm industry accountable and protect communities from violence with new legal tools.”