National Association of Attorneys General
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) serves as a nonpartisan national forum designed to empower and champion the attorneys general of U.S. states and territories. Established in 1907, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization provides a collaborative environment where legal leaders can share expertise and insight to better serve their respective jurisdictions.
It is important to note a key distinction in membership: while NAAG represents state and territorial legal heads, the United States Attorney General—as a representative of the federal government—is not a member of the organization.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1907
- Legal Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Primary Purpose: Collaboration and expertise for state and territory attorneys general
- Annual Budget: Approximately $5.1 million
- Total Assets: Over $250 million (combined with NAAG Mission Foundation)
- Funding Source: Primarily taxpayer-funded membership dues and settlement proceeds
Organizational Governance
NAAG is governed by its member attorneys general. The primary decision-making authority rests with a president and an executive committee. The current leadership structure includes Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum (D) as president and New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella (R) as president-elect.
Supporting the leadership is Vice President William Tong (D) of Connecticut and immediate past president Dave Yost (R) of Ohio. To ensure regional representation, the organization appoints region chairs, currently consisting of Aaron Frey (D) of Maine, Dave Yost (R) of Ohio, Lynn Fitch (R) of Mississippi, and Marty Jackley (R) of South Dakota.
Financial Structure and Settlement Funding
The organization operates on an annual budget of roughly $5.1 million. A significant portion of this, approximately $3.2 million, is derived from annual membership dues paid using taxpayer dollars.
Beyond dues, NAAG and its affiliate, the NAAG Mission Foundation, have accumulated more than $250 million through civil enforcement actions—legal proceedings brought by the government against companies to enforce laws. NAAG often acts as a financial facilitator, lending millions of dollars to state attorneys general to fund investigations and lawsuits against various industries.
These loans are repaid upon the resolution of the cases. Notable examples of these financial infusions include:
- 1998 Tobacco Settlement: A direct payment of $103 million, primarily from Philip Morris.
- 2012 Mortgage Settlement: $15 million obtained from a $25 billion settlement involving Bank of America and other lenders.
- 2021 McKinsey Opioid Settlement: NAAG received $15 million, which included the repayment of a $7 million loan.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual Budget | ~$5.1 Million |
| Annual Membership Dues | ~$3.2 Million |
| Total Accumulated Assets | $250+ Million |
| Tax Status | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit |
| Year Founded | 1907 |
Recent Controversies and Partisanship
Despite its nonpartisan mission, NAAG has faced criticism in recent years regarding its political alignment. Since 2021, five Republican attorneys general have resigned from the organization, citing concerns over perceived Democratic Party alignment.
In May 2022, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron led a multi-state effort to request structural reform, greater transparency, and less partisan programming. This group also questioned whether holding capital from enforcement settlements aligns with state statutory and constitutional restrictions. By September 2022, twelve Republican state attorneys general and several consumer advocates formally called for NAAG to return its $280 million in assets to the states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the U.S. Attorney General a member of NAAG?
No. Because the United States Attorney General is a member of the federal government, they are not a member of the National Association of Attorneys General.
How is NAAG funded?
NAAG is funded primarily through annual membership dues paid with taxpayer dollars, as well as payments and repayments resulting from civil enforcement settlements with corporations.
What is the role of the NAAG Mission Foundation?
The NAAG Mission Foundation is a sister group to NAAG that helps manage the assets amassed from civil enforcement actions.
Why has NAAG faced criticism from some state officials?
Some Republican attorneys general have accused the organization of becoming increasingly aligned with the Democratic Party and have called for more transparency and the return of settlement assets to the states.
How does NAAG support state investigations?
NAAG provides financial support by lending millions of dollars to state attorneys general to facilitate lawsuits and investigations, which are then repaid once the cases are resolved.