Between the Lines Blog
NAIC Reciprocal Exchanges (E) Working Group Advances Proposed Amendments to Model 440 and Model 450
On July 22, 2026, the NAIC Reciprocal Exchanges (E) Working Group met virtually to discuss proposed amendments to the Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act (Model #440) and the Insurance Holding Company System Model Regulation (Model #450). Formed in November 2025 under the Financial…
The NAIC Data Breach: A Turning Point for Data Collection and Privacy in the Insurance Industry
On June 17, 2026, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) publicly disclosed that it had identified unauthorized access to its PeopleSoft systems. The breach—attributed to the threat actor group ShinyHunters and part of a broader campaign exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in…
Essential Employment Documents and Procedures for Growing Businesses
As your business grows and you begin hiring employees, the excitement of expansion can sometimes overshadow the critical need for proper employment documentation and procedures. Yet the foundation you lay during this stage of growth can make the difference between a thriving workplace and costly…
The Non-Compete Playbook: Everything Arkansas Employers Should Have in their Arsenal
A crucial employee leaves for a competitor. A promising candidate shows up carrying a non-compete from their former employer. Either way, the questions hit quickly: What can we do? What should we avoid? And what paperwork should we have in place to handle this sort of thing? What employers should…
NAIC Discloses Unauthorized Access to PeopleSoft Systems
Cybersecurity Incident at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Overview On June 17, 2026, the NAIC publicly disclosed that it identified unauthorized access to its PeopleSoft systems on or about June 11, 2026. The NAIC activated its incident response procedures and is working…
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law Blog
Regional Haze/Arkansas: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Public Notices Approval of Arkansas' State Implementation Plan
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) published in the August 27th Federal Register a final rule approving the Arkansas State Implementation Plan (“SIP”) revision for the 2022 Planning Period II regional haze requirements. See 91 Fed. Reg. 55268. Under the final rule, the…
Environmental Criminal Enforcement/Clean Water Act: Puerto Rico Meat Processing Facility Charged with Alleged Violations
September 3, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The United States Attorney’s Office (Puerto Rico) stated in a news release that it has charged Ganaderos Borges Inc. (“GBI”) for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act. Four individuals were also charged. The alleged violations included: Four violations of the Clean Water Act. Conspiracy to…
2025 United States Paper Recycling Rates: American Forest & Paper Association Releases Data
September 3, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The American Forest & Paper Association (“AFPA”) announced its annual paper recycling rates in the United States for 2025. Two key rates released included: Paper recycling rate was 61-65%. Cardboard recycling rate was 70-75%. Paper and paper packaging are noted to be collected for recycling from…
Drinking Water Systems/Lead and Copper Rule: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Issues Guidance Addressing Pipe Replacement
September 2, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) released guidance on August 21st that it described as advancing: … the agency’s commitment to clear and plain language communication while sharing information, definitions, and useful examples to help water systems comply with lead pipe replacement…
Arkansas Environmental Personnel Moves: Lance Jones, P.E. (Former Director of Engineering/Arkansas Department of Health) Joins Hawkins-Weir Engineers
September 2, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Arkansas Department of Health publication Arkansas Drinking Water Update announced that Lance Jones, P.E., BCEE, Director of Engineering, retired from the Arkansas Department of Health (“ADH”) on May 1st after 33 years of service with the Public Health Engineering Branch. Mr. Jones recently…