Counsel for the State

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.