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
National Environmental Policy Act/Forest Management Plan: Federal Appellate Court Addresses Challenge to Bureau of Land Management Environmental Assessment
September 21, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The United States Court of Appeals (“Ninth Circuit”) addressed in a September 17th memorandum an issue arising under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). See Cascadia Wildlands, et al., v. United States Bureau of Land Management, et al., 2026 WL 2772092. The question addressed is whether…
Asbestos/Installation of New Drywall/Wallboard: Occupational Safety and Health Administration Interpretive Letter
September 21, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) transmitted a May 7th interpretive letter addressing: … the application of OSHA's Asbestos standard, 29 CFR § 1926.1101, to the installation of new drywall/wallboard in single-family residences after removal or repair of water-damaged…
2026 Mississippi County Watershed Forum: Wilson, Arkansas/October 15th
September 21, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
Big River Steel (“BRS”) is inviting participation in the 2026 Mississippi County Watershed Forum (“Forum”). The Forum is described as a collaborative gathering of local stakeholders committed to protecting and enhancing the region’s water sources. BRS describes the Forum as being designed to: ……
New Source Review/Minor Sources: Midwest Ozone Group Comments Addressing U.S. EPA Proposed Rule to Streamline State and Local Permitting Process
September 18, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Midwest Ozone Group (“MOG”) submitted August 21st comments to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) addressing the proposed rule that the federal agency describes as streamlining: … the New Source Review (“NSR”) permitting process for minor sources by eliminating the…
Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission Meeting - September 25th Meeting/Agenda Announced
September 18, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment announced the agenda for the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission (“Commission”) meeting on September 25th. The Commission is the environmental policy-making body for Arkansas. The Commission, with certain exceptions, meets on a monthly…