Attorneys General and the Challenges of Evolving Drug Issues

As the chief legal officers of their states, the Attorneys General have enormous power and responsibility. Their work affects the daily lives of the citizens of their states, the businesses they regulate, and the state governments they serve. Their perspective is unique, and their position, which intersects law, politics and public policy, is not generally well understood by the public.

GW Law will host the second in a series of four programs examining important aspects of the powers and duties of State Attorneys General. This program will focus on the new challenges Attorneys General face as implementers and enforcers of state drug laws; as educators in raising awareness about the laws to the citizens of their states; as counsel to state agencies; and as protectors of the public health and safety. There are many challenges to be addressed, both at home and in the context of the state-local-federal relationship.

The first panel will focus on emerging legal issues that result as many state legislatures consider whether to legalize recreational or medicinal use of marijuana. Legalizing marijuana is in some states becoming a big business, with a substantial effect on citizens, infrastructure and quality of life. Attorneys General have several potential roles, from advising on the new regulatory regime that will need to be created when marijuana is legalized; providing advice to the relevant state agencies and to the legislatures about new laws, policies, and regulations; dealing with the implications for their states of legalization in neighboring states; and facilitating discussion on the legal issues that will emerge as a new business climate is established.

The second panel will address the Attorney General’s role in the national public health crisis that has exploded because of opioid and prescription drug abuse. This panel will discuss aspects of this crisis from the perspectives of law enforcement, public health and safety, sentencing and treatment alternatives, and related legal issues, as well as partnerships with state, federal and local government and other potential stakeholders.

Agenda

Noon—1 pm: Light lunch for students, panelists and guests

1—1:15 pm: Welcome and Introduction of Program

1:15—3 pm: Panel 1 - New Challenges and Multiple Roles for AGs: Marijuana

This panel will address the powers and duties of state AGs in their roles as implementers and enforcers of state drug  laws; as educators of their citizens about the laws, including emerging legal issues; as counsel to state agencies; and as protectors of the public health and safety.  AGs use their powers to address these complex issues in many ways, including enforcement authority, issuance of opinions, legislative review and advocacy, bully pulpit role, and policy advice to the Governor and state agencies.

3—3:30 pm: Break

3:30—5:15 pm: Panel 2 - New Challenges and Multiple Roles for AGs: Opioid and Prescription Drug Abuse

Opioid (including heroin) and synthetic drug use and prescription drug abuse are ingredients of a national public health crisis, a visible issue affecting our families and communities. What are AGs doing to help alleviate these problems?  What new legal issues are emerging? Speakers will discuss the role of the AG on these subjects with reference to their particular states, with a focus on law enforcement concerns, treatment potential and related legal issues, and relationships or partnerships with the federal government.   

5:15—5:30 pm: Program wrap-up with questions from the audience

5:30—6:30 pm: Reception