A new lawsuit is challenging the State of Arkansas’ policy shift away from gender-neutral driver’s licenses.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas filed the lawsuit on behalf of five plaintiffs Tuesday against the state Department of Finance and Administration, which said in March it was rescinding its policy allowing for a gender-neutral option on driver’s licenses. Drivers could previously list “X” on their licenses instead of choosing between male or female.

The lawsuit argues the rule was implemented without adequate notice or any opportunity for public comment, in conflict with existing Arkansas law. The ACLU says the department also has failed to demonstrate any urgent threat to public health or safety that the policy change is addressing.

Arkansas ACLU sues to restore gender-neutral driver’s licenses

*Arkansas Department Of Finance And Administration*
A sample of an Arkansas driver's license with "M" listed under "sex."

KUAR | By Michael Hibblen

Arkansas is suing a Virginia-based company which Attorney General Leslie Rutledge says was paid nearly $11 million for medical equipment and supplies that were never delivered.

The personal protective equipment and ventilators were bought for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said Wednesday while announcing the consumer protection lawsuit. It alleges Med-Care Health Link, LLC breached contracts with the state and violated the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

“Despite their best efforts, unfortunately both UAMS and the Department of Finance and Administration made very large purchases from unscrupulous characters,” Rutledge said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2021-10-27/arkansas-sues-company-accused-of-not-delivering-purchased-covid-medical-supplies