Where I Stand: New Arkansas Laws Taking Effect in 2026

Arkansans work hard, raise families, start businesses, serve our communities, and deserve state government that makes laws that work for them. A new set of laws passed by the Arkansas Legislature will take effect in January 2026 from workforce policy and health care access to support for veterans, farmers, and families. I’m sharing my honest take on what these laws mean in real life not political noise, but practical implications for people in District 35 and across our state.

Here’s where I stand on the key laws becoming effective in 2026:

Workforce & Jobs: Creating Opportunity the Right Way

Act 948: State hiring ban on unauthorized workers

I support a legal, stable workforce, but I also believe Arkansas needs real, attainable solutions to worker shortages. Enforcing existing law matters, but we must pair it with training and career pathways that fill real jobs especially in health care, skilled trades, and public service. Simply banning people without offering pathways to employment won’t grow our workforce real opportunity will.(Workforce Development + Economic Development)

Act 631: SNAP recipients may volunteer to meet requirements

I support giving families flexibility so nobody goes hungry. Volunteering can be a strength building community and pathways to work but it shouldn’t be red tape. If we’re going to ask people to connect to work, we should make job training, transportation help, and accessible opportunities part of the picture, not harder requirements.(Workforce Development + Economic Stability)

Supporting Families & Workers Through Smart Policy

Act 875: Expands ABLE accounts to disabilities occurring before age 46

I strongly support this change. People with disabilities and veterans deserve independence and ability to plan for the future without losing essential supports. This law expands financial security and dignity for working families that’s common-sense progress.(Economic Development + Dignity for Working Families)

Health & Well-Being: Real Care That Helps People Thrive

Act 624: Insurance coverage for all breast reconstruction services

I support this law because health care should treat people, not just diagnoses. Cancer survivors shouldn’t fight their insurance to recover physically and emotionally. Healing whole people means healthier families and a stronger workforce.(Health Security + Family Strength)

Act 390: Coverage for lung cancer screenings and follow-up care

I support early detection because it saves lives and long-term costs. Many Arkansans work in environments with elevated health risks smoke exposure, hazardous jobs, and more. Easier access to life-saving screenings makes our workforce stronger and communities safer.(Health + Economic Stability)

Act 627: Coverage for breastfeeding and lactation services

I support this because putting new moms and babies on the best possible start matters for health and for our future workforce. Practical support early in life leads to healthier children and stronger families.(Youth & Education + Workforce Development)

Act 866: Coverage for births at licensed birthing centers

I support giving families safe, affordable childbirth options especially in rural areas with limited hospital access. Healthy beginnings matter, and birth choices shouldn’t be a luxury.(Health Access + Youth & Education)

Agriculture & Local Business: Cutting Red Tape, Growing Opportunity

Act 621: Farmer sales tax ID card

I support cutting unnecessary red tape for family farmers. When we make it easier for farmers to operate, local food systems, rural jobs, and small businesses thrive. That’s how we build a strong rural economy.(Economic Development Rooted in Agriculture)

Act 497: Property tax exemption for charity-owned vehicles

I support helping nonprofits stretch every dollar. When charities keep more of their resources, they serve more people without increasing taxes. Accountability matters, but so does community support.(Community-Based Economic Development)

Communities & Resilience: Helping People Bounce Back and Succeed

Act 427: Grants for rebuilding after catastrophic wind events

I strongly support disaster recovery assistance. Families, churches, and local nonprofits shouldn’t have to wait months or years to rebuild. Getting people back to work, school, and everyday life quickly builds resilient communities.(Economic Stability + Community Resilience)

Workforce Support, Not Punishment

Act 708: Stricter unemployment job-search requirements

I believe people want to work but rules must reflect real market conditions. I support connecting people to jobs with real help job training, childcare, and transportation — not just stricter reporting requirements that don’t change outcomes.(Workforce Development Done Right)

Act 748: Police training reimbursement between departments

I support protecting taxpayer investments in training, and I also believe strong public safety departments need to recruit and retain good officers. Balanced policies can help do both: we shouldn’t weaken local departments in the process.(Workforce Stability + Public Safety)

Protecting People & Privacy

Act 929: Colleges must use “.edu” domains

I support this simple step to protect students and families from confusion and scams. Clear information matters when people are choosing schools or planning careers.(Youth & Education)

Act 147: Optional blood type on driver’s licenses

I support people having choices, with privacy and accuracy respected. Public safety tools should help without creating new risks.(Practical, People-First Governance)

Honoring Veterans & Strengthening Health Access

Act 880: Homestead tax exemption for disabled veterans using trusts or LLCs

I strongly support this law. Disabled veterans shouldn’t lose earned tax relief because of legal structuring like trusts or LLCs. Honoring service means protecting families and economic security.(Veterans + Economic Security)

Act 628: Coverage for treatment of severe obesity (with exclusions)

I support recognizing obesity as a medical condition, not a moral failure. But excluding effective medications limits real access to care. I will push for evidence-based coverage that improves long-term health outcomes because health care is also an investment in our future workforce.(Health as Workforce Investment)

Growing the Economy: With Accountability & Results

Act 881: Tax credits to attract corporate headquarters

I support economic growth but only if incentives deliver real jobs, fair wages, and local hiring. Economic development must benefit working families, not just corporations. Growth that bypasses communities isn’t progress.(Economic Development That Works for Everyone)

My Bottom Line

These new laws taking effect in January 2026 reflect choices our state is making and how those choices affect people’s lives. My priority is simple: invest in people, strengthen families, prepare our workforce, and build opportunity that lasts. That’s how we move District 35 and Arkansas forward together.