Examining COBRA and Other Key Benefit Changes for Employers Under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

As of Jul. 31st, Texas is enforcing tough new restrictions on hemp-derived THC products, and it’s changing the game for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers across the state. This isn’t one new law; it’s the Texas Department of State Health Services’ (DSHS) messy revival of dormant 2021 rules after a Texas Supreme Court ruling, on top of separate consumable-hemp regulations that kicked in earlier this year and are still being fought over in court. Bottom line: the rules have shifted more than once in 2026, and businesses need a clear picture of what’s banned, what’s still fine, and what’s still up in the air.

The SEC has approved Nasdaq’s new $5 million Market Value of Listed Securities (MVLS) continued listing standard, while temporarily staying its effectiveness pending potential Commission review. Although the final rule retains Nasdaq’s accelerated delisting framework, it expands the Nasdaq Hearings Panel’s authority to grant limited relief, giving certain issuers additional time to demonstrate compliance with Nasdaq’s more stringent initial listing standards.

CMS’s proposed 2027 Physician Fee Schedule modernizes Medicare payment through AI, updated practice expense data, and new reimbursement models.