State Representative Brian Evans

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Cabot, AR
State Representative Brian Evans

Arkansas State Representative proudly serving all of Cabot and parts of Lonoke County, Arkansas. All content paid for by Brian Evans for State Representative.

05/30/2026

This week, the Arkansas State Capitol belonged to the next generation.

Students from across our state gathered in Little Rock for Arkansas Boys State, Arkansas Girls State, and the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. For a few days, committee rooms, hallways, and the House floor were filled with young Arkansans learning firsthand how government works and, more importantly, how they can be a part of it.

They debated legislation, asked thoughtful questions, participated in mock sessions, and stepped behind the same microphones used by elected officials during the legislative session. Watching students from communities large and small confidently stand to speak, disagree respectfully, and work together was a reminder that Arkansas has an incredibly bright future.

Programs like these matter because they make government feel real and accessible. Civics is no longer just a chapter in a textbook when students are sitting in the House Chamber debating ideas themselves. Many current members of the Arkansas House and Senate once sat in those same seats as Boys State or Girls State participants. For some legislators, those programs helped spark an interest in public service that eventually led them to serve their communities at the Capitol. That is part of what makes these programs so meaningful. You never know which student walking through the Capitol today may someday return as a teacher, mayor, business leader, judge, or legislator.

The Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute carried a particularly meaningful mission this year. Created by members of the Arkansas House and Senate, the program ensured students who were unable to attend Girls State because of administrative issues still had an opportunity to experience leadership development and civic engagement at the Capitol. Their enthusiasm and participation made it clear just how valuable these opportunities are.
This week, the Capitol belonged to the next generation, and after watching these students lead, debate, and serve, it’s clear Arkansas is in good hands.

05/28/2026

It was great seeing these future leaders from the Cabot Public School District at Arkansas Boys State! Great job guys! You represent us well.

05/26/2026

It was a pleasure being with the Criswell Robinson Post 71 today at their Memorial Day Service.

Across our history, men and women have given their lives in uniform under a single, powerful idea: that this country could be a place where freedom is real, where dignity is shared, and where every person has the chance to live a life of purpose and possibility.

To truly honor them, we must make a daily choice: to live in a way that protects the ideals they died defending.

Those we honor today did not give their lives for a perfect America. They gave their lives for our America. An America that is still being shaped - by our choices, our courage and our character.

We are stewards of their sacrifice. We are living the America they died for.

My prayer today is that we may all be worthy of their sacrifice.

05/17/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health and to continue encouraging conversations that reduce stigma and connect people with support.

Across Arkansas, families, schools, healthcare providers, veterans, first responders, and community organizations see firsthand how mental health challenges can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it is anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or simply the stress of daily life, these struggles are real, and many Arkansans face them quietly every day.

During the 2025 Regular Session, the Arkansas General Assembly passed several pieces of legislation aimed at improving access to care and supporting mental health services throughout the state.

One measure, Act 794, allows public schools to excuse student absences related to mental health concerns. The law also provides excused absences for children of fallen service members or first responders attending events focused on grief support, resiliency, or traumatic loss. The legislation recognizes that mental and emotional well-being can directly impact a student’s ability to learn and succeed.

The General Assembly also passed Act 1022, which creates a framework for the Department of Human Services to explore funding options for a Behavioral Health Loan Forgiveness Program. The goal is to help recruit and retain mental health professionals in behaviorally underserved communities across Arkansas through student loan forgiveness assistance.

In addition, Act 389 prohibits health benefit plans from requiring prior authorization or precertification for healthcare services provided during a mental health crisis. The goal is to help individuals receive timely care during moments when immediate treatment may be critical.

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is also an opportunity to continue building communities where people feel supported, heard, and connected to the resources they need.

While there is always more work to do, these efforts reflect a continued focus on improving mental health services and support systems for Arkansans across the state.

05/07/2026

The House concluded the special session by passing SB1, the Senate version of the tax relief measure, and the Governor has since signed both HB1001 and SB1 into law. The legislation lowers the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% beginning January 1, 2026, and reduces the top corporate income tax rate to 4.1% starting January 1, 2027.

Members also took time to honor several members serving their final terms in the House, recognizing their service and contributions to the state.

Following adjournment, the House convened in caucus and approved HR1001, authorizing the use of the House Chamber for the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. Announced by members of the Arkansas House and Senate, the Institute was created to provide leadership and civic engagement opportunities for students who were recently denied admission to Arkansas Girls State due to administrative errors. The Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol is scheduled for May 26, 2026.

05/06/2026

The House convened for the second day of the special session and approved HB1001 by a vote of 79–17. The bill would lower the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% beginning January 1, 2026, and reduce the top corporate tax rate to 4.1% starting January 1, 2027.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee also met this afternoon and advanced SB1, an identical bill from the Senate.

The House will reconvene tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. to consider SB1, which is expected to conclude the special session.

05/05/2026

The House convened Monday for a special session called by the Governor to consider tax relief.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee advanced HB1001, which would lower the top individual income tax rate to 3.7% beginning January 1, 2026, and reduce the top corporate tax rate to 4.1% starting January 1, 2027.

The House is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

04/25/2026

The House wrapped up the third week of the 2026 Fiscal Session, and we expect to complete our work next week. As the session moves forward, our focus remains on passing a responsible budget that prioritizes the needs of Arkansans while maintaining fiscal discipline.

On Thursday, the Joint Budget Committee adopted an amendment to the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA), the framework that outlines and categorizes state spending for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed $6.7 billion budget reflects an overall increase of $211 million compared to the current fiscal year, with targeted investments in several key areas.

Funding for the Arkansas State Police would rise by $16.3 million. The Department of Correction would receive an additional $41 million, and general revenue funding for Arkansas’s colleges and universities would increase by $5.9 million.

The proposal before members also includes a $300 million allocation from existing surplus funds to the Economic Development Quick Action Closing Fund at the Department of Commerce. These funds are intended to support economic incentives tied to a potential advanced manufacturing project in West Memphis—an opportunity that could bring significant job creation and economic growth to the region.

In addition, the House Revenue and Tax Committee advanced HB1103, legislation that would increase the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $600 to $675, providing additional relief for Arkansas homeowners. If passed, the legislation would be effective for assessment years beginning on January 1, 2026.

The House will reconvene Monday at 3 pm.

04/17/2026

We’re extremely proud of this group of Cabot students that came to visit this week. Cabot Youth Leadership is full of rising stars that will be key leaders in our community in the coming years. Cabot Public School District

Also this week at the Capitol…

With a 92–0 vote, the House approved HR1006, a resolution that would allow for the introduction of a non-appropriation bill to increase the homestead property tax credit. If the Senate also approves the resolution by a two-thirds majority, legislation will be filed to raise the credit from $600 to $675.

The House also passed several appropriation bills for boards, commissions, and colleges.
The House will reconvene on Tuesday at 1 p.m.

04/14/2026

The House kicked off week two of the 2026 Fiscal Session on Tuesday.

In the Joint Budget Committee, members approved an appropriation of $1 million for contraband interdiction and corrections intelligence technology. The technology is designed to detect and prevent illegal wireless device activity in Department of Corrections facilities. The committee also approved an amendment to increase the appropriation for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

It’s important to note that appropriation bills authorize spending only when funds become available; they do not allocate funding. That process happens through the Revenue Stabilization Act.

Later in the day, the House passed HB1001, an appropriation for the operations of the House of Representatives for the 95th General Assembly.

The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 1 p.m., and the House Rules Committee will meet shortly after adjournment to review resolutions seeking to introduce non-appropriation bills this session. All meetings are streamed live at arkansashouse.org.

Address

P. O. Box 1365
Cabot, AR
72023

Website

http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/

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