Field Intelligence

In issue 004 · 28 September 2026

NFPA's code panel deadlocked 10-10 on a two-year delay, so the September 1 GFCI requirement for outdoor HVAC equipment stands while ACCA and AHRI appeal.

NFPA's code panel deadlocked 10-10 on delaying the outdoor HVAC GFCI requirement, which took effect September 1 while ACCA appeals; the construction materials price index has risen every month since April, Section 301 forced-labor duties of 10 or 12.5 percent now reach 60 economies, Commerce set 82.03 to 153.67 percent duties on Laotian solar cells, and a judge vacated EPA's termination of the $7 billion Solar for All program — every claim sourced.

In issue 004 · 28 September 2026

August housing completions fell to a 1,128,000 annual rate, 27.1 percent below a year earlier, while single-family starts rose 7.6 percent and builders deepened price cuts.

August housing completions fell to a 1,128,000 annual rate while 38 percent of builders cut prices; the 30-year mortgage averaged 7.03 percent, hot-rolled coil is $1,220 a ton, fall protection again led OSHA's most-cited list with 4,041 citations, no Atlantic hurricane had formed by September 21, and Florida's 9th Edition code takes effect December 31 — every claim sourced.

In issue 004 · 28 September 2026

Commercial auto rates rose 3.58% and general liability 4.18% in August while workers' comp fell 1.1%, and WTW put overall second-quarter commercial pricing up just 0.5%.

Commercial auto insurance rates rose 3.58 percent and general liability 4.18 percent in August while workers' comp fell 1.1 percent; EPA closed registration review on 20 canceled pesticide cases, the waters-of-the-U.S. proposal opens comment to October 9, the 33,000-visa H-2B cap filled September 4, Commerce set a 56.43 percent preliminary margin on Mexican copper tube, and PHTA published the 2026 public pool standard — every claim sourced.

In issue 004 · 28 September 2026

Cintas lifted its fiscal 2027 revenue outlook to $12.15-$12.27 billion on September 23 and expects its FTC-reviewed UniFirst purchase to close before the end of 2026.

Cintas raised its fiscal 2027 revenue outlook to $12.15-12.27 billion and expects its UniFirst purchase to close by year-end; NFPA 25's 2026 edition makes a frozen sprinkler system an impairment, the stopgap funds surface transportation only to December 11, OSHA's heat rule slipped to a December proposal, and the FCC Covered List has grown three times in nine months — every claim sourced.

In issue 004 · 28 September 2026

The SBA extended comment on its plan to replace nearly 1,000 small-business size standards with 338 by 60 days, moving the deadline to November 20

The SBA extended comment on its size-standards overhaul to November 20; three Maryland housing laws take effect October 1, IRS Notice 2026-60 sets per diem at $329 and $230, the estate tax closing letter fee rises to $76, CMS canceled about 315,000 marketplace enrollments, and flood insurance authority expires December 11 — every claim sourced.

In issue 004 · 28 September 2026

The Fed raised rates a quarter point to 3.75-4.00% on September 16 and banks lifted prime to 7.00% the next day, repricing every practice loan tied to it.

The Fed raised rates to 3.75-4.00 percent on September 16 and prime went to 7.00 percent; veterinary prices rose 5.7 percent in the year to August, the ADA told a House panel the three largest dental insurers hold 38 to 97 percent of a state's group market, and the Labor Department narrowed its parity enforcement to three areas — every claim sourced.

In issue 004 · 28 September 2026

eBay's ban on airbags, inflators and steering-wheel airbag covers took effect September 24, closing the largest marketplace for the parts and giving sellers 30 days to clear listings.

eBay's ban on airbags, inflators and steering-wheel airbag covers took effect September 24; franchised dealers ran body shops at 31.9 percent of stores, Ford filed six recalls led by about 223,500 F-150s, the Steelworkers asked for a Section 201 tire case, and unlimited wash member price satisfaction fell to 46 percent — every claim sourced.