Between the Lines Blog
The LEARNSing Curve: Navigating Arkansas Education Law
A Short Survey of The LEARNS Act Three years later, the Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and Safety Act (“LEARNS Act” or the “Act”) continues to reshape Arkansas education law. This article surveys the Act’s major provisions: (1) the Education Freedom Account program…
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…
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law Blog
Toxic Substances Control Act/Section 5: Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates Publish Survey Addressing Review Process
September 17, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (“SOCMA”) released on August 13th a survey of its members addressing Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act’s (“TSCA”) review process. SOCMA describes its role as supporting and fostering the growth of the specialty chemical industry by…
Environmental Criminal Enforcement/Clean Water Act: Ohio Dairy Employee Sentenced for Alleged Violation
September 17, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The United States Attorney’s Office (Northern District of Ohio) issued a September 11th news release stating that Teunis Jan Willemsen was sentenced for an alleged violation of the Clean Water Act. Mr. Willemsen is stated to have been employed at a northern Ohio dairy facility and admitted…
2027 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Model Plan: Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment Publishes Response to Comments
September 17, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Arkansas Energy Office (“AEO”) of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment published comments received for its 2027 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (“LIHEAP”) Model Plan. The AEO document provides responses to all comments received by August 12th. The Arkansas LIHEAP Model…
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Deployment of Artificial Intelligence: Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility Appeals Freedom of Information Act Denial
September 16, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and the Free Information Group, PLLC (collectively, “PEER”) filed a September 15th appeal of a determination issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regarding a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request. PEER states…
Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations: Occupational Safety and Health Administration Renews National Emphasis Program
September 16, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) announced on September 1st that it is renewing its National Emphasis Program (“NEP”) on Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations. OSHA states in support of renewing the NEP that warehousing and distribution center operations continue…