Between the Lines Blog
Federal Government Poised to Amend Definition of Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance … (Again)
On August 7, 2025, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (collectively “the Departments”) released a statement that they intend to undertake notice-and-comment rulemaking to reconsider the 2024 amendments to the federal regulatory definition of short-term…
The Future of FOIA is Here: New Requirements under Acts 505 and 922 of 2025
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has long been a cornerstone of transparency, ensuring that the public has access to government records and meetings. Acts 505 and 922 of 2025, which took effect on August 5, 2025, significantly amend FOIA to modernize public meeting rules, clarify…
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Summer 2025 Meeting Summary
The Mitchell Williams Insurance Regulatory team of lawyers recently attended the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Summer 2025 National Meeting which was held in Minneapolis, MN. We have prepared a summary of the open sessions conducted over the course of the meeting…
What Agricultural Landowners Need to Know Now About Leases to Minimize Future Risk
June 20, 2025
by John P. Talbot
According to the USDA – Economic Research Service, there are approximately 911 million acres of farmland in the lower 48 states, with roughly 60% of this farmland owner-operated and 40% of it leased. For tillable cropland acres specifically, the percentage of rented ground is higher, approximately…
2025 Arkansas Insurance Legislation Summary: Life
This is the fourth and final article in a series of summaries of Insurance legislation from the 95th Arkansas General Assembly. The 95th Arkansas General Assembly convened on January 13, 2025, and entered into an extended recess on April 16, 2025. The resolution authorizing the extended recess…
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law Blog
Waters of the United States/Clean Water Act: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Proposed Rule
November 18, 2025
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of the Army (collectively, “EPA”) has published a Pre-Publication Notice proposing a rule that would revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act. See…
Natural State Stewardship Program: Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment Announces ABB's U.S. Motors/Generators Headquarters in Fort Smith as Diamond Member
November 18, 2025
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (“E&E”) issued a November 17th news release stating that ABB Inc. (“ABB”) has become a Diamond Member in the Natural State Stewardship Program (“NSTEP”). The announcement was made during a facility tour and induction ceremony held on November 13th…
National Historic Preservation Act: Steel Manufacturers Association Comments to U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
November 18, 2025
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Steel Manufacturers Association (“SMA”) submitted comments for the record for a hearing held by the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources addressing the National Historic Preservation Act (“NHPA”). The comments were submitted pursuant to an October 29th letter to…
Comanche 2 Coal Power Plant: Public Service Company of Colorado/Colorado Energy Office Petitions Colorado Public Utilities Commission to Delay Retirement
November 17, 2025
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
A November 10th Petition was filed to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) to delay the retirement of the Comanche 2 (“C2”) coal power plant until 2026. See PROCEEDING NO. 25V-____E. C2 is owned by the Public Service Company of Colorado (“Public Service”). The Petition was filed by the…
Trespass/Nuisance: Family Trust Files Benton County, Arkansas Circuit Court Action Lowell Facility Alleging Illegal Mining/Dumping
November 17, 2025
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Trustees of the McJunkins Family Trust U/A (“Trust”) filed a November 11th pleading in the Circuit Court of Benton County, Arkansas styled: Complaint at Law and Request for Injunctive Relief with Request for Emergency Hearing for Issuance of Temporary Restraining Order (“Complaint”). The…