Seven states have passed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws related to single-use packaging and plastic food serviceware, with other states considering similar legislation. The intent of these laws is to hold the producers of covered materials financially responsible for their ultimate disposal. Certain states are also requiring the reduction of plastic or non-recyclable plastic used in these materials over time. Legislation is in various stages of implementation, and Oregon is the first state to issue fees to producers. In connection with a legal challenge to Oregon’s EPR program, a court recently granted a preliminary injunction, preventing Oregon from enforcing the law against the plaintiff (an industry group) pending resolution of the case. Meanwhile, CalRecycle continues to struggle with finalizing its proposed regulations implementing California’s EPR law, this time withdrawing its proposed regulations to tinker with provisions related to food and agricultural commodities.

On December 29, 2025, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) released an exposure draft proposing substantial revisions to its Code of Professional Conduct governing alternative practice structures (APS), which govern investments in accounting firms by private and public investors. The proposals represent the most significant regulatory development for private equity-backed accounting firms since PEEC first adopted APS guidance in 2000. This exposure draft follows a March 2025 discussion memorandum that resulted in the submission of 36 comment letters and extensive stakeholder engagement from accounting firm executives, state boards of accountancy, insurance liability carriers, accounting firms, academia, professional associations, and legal counsel for private equity sponsors.