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
Policy Implementation Update Regarding Startup, Shutdown, and Malfunction Provisions in State Implementation Plans/Clean Air Act: U.S. EPA Issues Guidance Memorandum
September 11, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued a September 1st Guidance Memorandum titled: Policy Implementation Update Regarding Startup, Shutdown, and Malfunction (SSM) Provisions in State Implementation Plans (“Memorandum”). The Memorandum was transmitted from EPA Assistant…
Transportation Electrification in the Southeast: Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Releases Seventh Annual Report
September 11, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (“SACE”) issued on September 8th its seventh annual report titled: Transportation Electrification in the Southeast (“Report”). The authors of the Report include: Matthew Vining, Policy Analyst, Atlas Public Policy. Kelley Flanagan, Policy Associate I…
Arkansas Water Webinar/Floodplain Restoration & CommuniTree Program: Arkansas Water Resources Center
September 11, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Arkansas Water Resources Center (“AWRC”) announced an Arkansas Water Webinar titled: Floodplain Restoration & CommuniTree Program (“Webinar”). The Webinar will be held on Thursday, September 17th from 12 – 1 p.m. (Central). AWRC describes the Arkansas CommuniTree Project (“Project”) as the…
Presence of PFAS in Incoming Potable Water Supplies to Poultry Processing Facilities: U.S. Poultry Foundation Approves Research Initiative Topic
September 10, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (“USPOULTRY”) and USPOULTRY Foundation issued a September 8th news release referencing approval of a new Board Research Initiative (“BRI”) topic addressing: Presence of PFAS in Incoming Potable Water Supplies to Poultry Processing Facilities (“PFAS Initiative”). …
Regional Emphasis Program (REP) for Noise Hazards/OSHA: Regional Instruction Addressing High Noise Levels in Certain Facilities
September 10, 2026
by Walter G. Wright, Jr.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued an August 6th Regional Emphasis Program (“REP”) for inspections of health hazards related to high noise levels and other industry recognized hazards in: Sawmills Planing Mills Wood Pallets and Skids Manufacturers Concrete Products…