Mark Perry, State Representative District 66, Jacksonville, AR (2026)

08/29/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 8-28-26

When we think about NASA and space exploration, it can be easy to assume that work happens far away from Arkansas. But a recent legislative meeting showed there may be significant opportunities for our state in America’s next chapter of space exploration.

This week, the House and Senate Education committees and the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology heard from Joel Graham, associate administrator for NASA’s Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. The discussion focused on NASA’s plans for a sustained presence on the moon and how Arkansas businesses, universities, researchers, and students could contribute.

NASA representatives emphasized that building a presence on the moon will require expertise from many different industries. Think of building a house. You need electrical systems, plumbing, communications, power, materials and technology. NASA will need many of those same capabilities, only in a far more challenging environment.

Arkansas is already contributing. Three companies in our state currently support the Artemis mission. NASA representatives also discussed supply chain challenges and said Arkansas businesses could help fill critical needs.

There are opportunities for our students as well. Several interns from Arkansas have worked with NASA, and the agency expects continued demand for engineers, computer engineers, and expertise in areas such as nuclear technology.

There may be a student sitting in an Arkansas classroom today who has never considered that a career in the space industry could be within reach.
What NASA learns by living and working on the moon can lead to technologies that benefit us here on Earth. And the work required to get there can create opportunities here at home.

Arkansas has the talent, businesses, universities, and workforce to be part of that effort. If you are interested in learning how your business can support the mission, we have posted a link at arkansashouse.org. The next giant leap may happen on the moon, but Arkansas can help make it possible.

08/23/2026

Election Day may still seem a long way off, but now is the time for Arkansans to make sure they are prepared for the November General Election.
On Tuesday, November 3, voters will choose who represents them at the local, state, and federal levels. Depending on where you live, your ballot may also include local races and issues.

Voting is one of the most direct ways citizens participate in our government, yet many eligible Arkansans do not cast a ballot. In the 2024 General Election, 1,187,243 of Arkansas’s 1,828,133 registered voters participated—a turnout of 64.94%. Turnout is typically lower in non-presidential election years.

At the Arkansas House, we have seen just how much a single vote can matter. Over the years, several House races have been decided by fewer than 50 votes. In fact, we have even had a race decided by just one vote. Elections like these are powerful reminders that the outcome can come down to only a handful of neighbors who chose to cast their ballots.

The first important deadline is October 5, the deadline to apply to register to vote for the General Election.
Early voting begins October 19 and is available from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 2.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

If a county or municipal race requires a runoff, the General Runoff Election will be held December 1. The registration deadline for that election is November 2.
We encourage every Arkansan to check their voter registration status, make a plan to vote, and know where to cast their ballot. Voter information is available at the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.

08/15/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 8-14-26

Across Arkansas, school buses are back on the roads, classrooms are filling up, and students are settling into the routines of a new school year.
We want to welcome Arkansas students, teachers, administrators, and school staff back and wish them a successful year ahead.

They begin this year with encouraging signs of academic progress across our state. Since the 2024 baseline, overall student proficiency has increased from 35% to 42%. Math proficiency has risen from 36.4% to 44.2%, while science proficiency has increased from 35.6% to 44%. English language arts proficiency has grown from 33.8% to 39.5%.

We are especially encouraged by the progress of our youngest learners. Third-grade reading proficiency has increased from 35% to 43%, and proficiency among students in kindergarten through second grade now exceeds 50% in nearly every subject and grade level measured.

Those numbers represent more than percentages on a report. They represent students mastering new skills, teachers finding ways to help a child understand a difficult concept, and families supporting learning at home. There is still work ahead, but Arkansas students and educators have given us good reason to be optimistic.

As students return to the classroom, members of the House and Senate Education Committees are continuing their work on the state’s biennial educational adequacy study. This comprehensive review helps determine what resources our public schools need to provide every Arkansas student with an adequate and equitable education. The committees will use that work to develop funding recommendations for consideration during the 2027 Regular Session.

As another school year begins, we thank Arkansas educators and school employees for the important work they do every day. Most importantly, we wish every Arkansas student a safe, successful and rewarding school year.

08/10/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 8-7-26

This week, several legislative committees met at the State Capitol to continue studying issues that could shape policy during the 2027 Regular Session.

The House and Senate Education Committees continued their ongoing adequacy study, with much of the discussion focused on the health insurance program for public school employees. Consultants told lawmakers that while the fund currently has a surplus, rising healthcare costs are expected to outpace revenue in the coming years. Without additional funding, the program is projected to face a significant deficit in 2027. Legislators will continue to review options to address the shortfall. The committee also approved an interim study to examine the possibility of creating a personal education tax credit program.

The House and Senate Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor also met jointly to review a series of proposed administrative rules affecting healthcare and human services. Members considered updates related to Medicaid policy, billing for continuous glucose monitors, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), personal care services, hospital-based residential treatment for substance use disorder, and revisions to Arkansas' controlled substances regulations.

The Joint Committee on Energy reviewed the final Arkansas Nuclear Feasibility Study, which was authorized by Act 707 of 2025. The report concluded that developing new nuclear generation in Arkansas is both technically feasible and advisable. The study points to rapidly growing electricity demand, driven by manufacturing, technology, and other expanding industries, and notes that Arkansas has suitable locations for new facilities. It also found that federal support for nuclear energy is stronger than it has been in decades and that only modest changes to state law would be needed if Arkansas chooses to pursue new nuclear generation in the future.

Interim committee meetings like these allow lawmakers to gather information, hear from experts, and prepare legislation well before the General Assembly convenes next year.

08/01/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 7-31-26

As another school year begins, hundreds of thousands of Arkansas students will once again be riding school buses each day. In fact, more than 350,000 children rely on school buses to get safely to and from school, with buses making thousands of stops in communities across our state.

That makes it more important than ever for every driver to know—and follow—the law when sharing the road with a school bus. When a school bus stops, extends its stop arm, and activates its flashing red lights, it means children are getting on or off the bus. Those students may be crossing the street or walking alongside the roadway, and their safety depends on drivers paying attention. In Arkansas, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus from any direction when its red lights are flashing.

The General Assembly strengthened these protections through Act 2128 of 2005, also known as Isaac's Law. The legislation was named in memory of Isaac Brian, an elementary school student in the Bryant School District who was tragically struck and killed by a driver who illegally passed his stopped school bus while students were exiting.

Under Isaac's Law, drivers on both two-lane and four-lane highways—including roads with a center turn lane—must stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading children. Drivers must remain stopped until the bus has finished receiving or discharging passengers, the stop arm has been retracted, the flashing red lights have stopped, and the bus is moving again.

Violating this law carries serious consequences. A conviction for illegally passing a stopped school bus can result in fines of up to $2,500, in addition to court costs. During the 2021 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 264 to further clarify where motorists must stop. The law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at least 30 feet from a stopped school bus. This requirement applies not only on public roadways but also on private or public property open to the public, including school driveways and parking lots.

The legislature has also worked to reduce distractions around schools. In 2019, the General Assembly passed legislation making the use of a handheld wireless phone in a school zone a primary offense, reinforcing the importance of keeping drivers focused where children are present.

As students head back to the classroom, remember these important safety tips:
Never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
Stop at least 30 feet from the bus when it is loading or unloading students.
Remain stopped until the flashing lights stop, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus begins moving again.
Stay alert for children who may unexpectedly cross the street or walk alongside the roadway.
Avoid distractions—including handheld cell phones—in school zones.

A few extra moments of patience can save a life. As school buses return to Arkansas roads, let's all do our part to make sure every child arrives safely at school and returns home safely each afternoon.

07/25/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 7-24-26

Back-to-school shopping is expected to reach record levels this year, with families of students in elementary through high school planning to spend an average of $864. Nationwide, total back-to-school spending is projected to reach $43.3 billion, making it one of the largest annual shopping seasons for American families.

Fortunately, Arkansas families have an opportunity to keep more of that money in their pockets during the state's annual Sales Tax Holiday, which takes place Saturday, August 1, through Sunday, August 2, 2026. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and ending at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, shoppers can purchase many back-to-school essentials free of state and local sales tax.

Established by Act 757 of 2011, the Sales Tax Holiday is held each year on the first weekend of August. Arkansas is one of 19 states that provide a sales tax holiday, giving families a break as they prepare students for the new school year.

Eligible tax-free purchases include clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item, clothing accessories priced under $50 per item, school supplies, school art supplies, school instructional materials, and electronic devices commonly used by students for academic purposes.

The exemption applies to purchases made both in stores and online, as long as the order is placed during the tax-free weekend. All retailers are required to participate by exempting qualifying items from both state and local sales tax. It's important to remember that the price limits apply to each individual item—not the total purchase. If a single item exceeds the price threshold, the entire purchase price of that item is taxable.

As families check items off their back-to-school shopping lists, this weekend provides a simple way to save on the supplies students need for a successful school year. For a complete list of eligible items and additional information, visit arkansashouse.org or the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

07/17/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 7-17-26

Whether they're hiking our trails, floating our rivers, exploring historic downtowns, or dining at local restaurants, visitors are making a big impact on Arkansas. New figures released by the Governor this week show tourism reached another record-breaking year in 2025.

According to a new report prepared by Tourism Economics, Arkansas welcomed a record 54.3 million visitors in 2025. Those visitors spent $10.2 billion throughout the state, helping generate a total economic impact of $17.4 billion. Tourism also supported nearly 71,900 direct jobs across Arkansas and generated enough state and local tax revenue to reduce the average annual tax burden on Arkansas households by $919.

The benefits of tourism reach every corner of the state. Visitors spent more than $3 billion at Arkansas restaurants and local businesses, supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening local communities.

The Arkansas General Assembly recognized tourism's growing importance during the 2025 legislative session and approved several measures to build on that momentum. Lawmakers created the Office of Outdoor Recreation through Act 318, establishing a dedicated office within the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism to oversee programs that expand outdoor recreation opportunities and administer grants that help communities develop parks and recreational amenities.

The General Assembly also passed Act 838, making it easier for tourism attraction projects to qualify for incentives under the Arkansas Tourism Development Act. The legislation also expanded opportunity zones surrounding state parks, historic sites, and cultural attractions, encouraging additional private investment near some of Arkansas' most popular destinations.

To support new recreational opportunities, Act 155 established a regulatory framework for recreational tramway systems, opening the door for future attractions while ensuring appropriate safety standards.

Tourism is more than a weekend getaway. It supports jobs, strengthens local economies, and showcases everything that makes Arkansas a great place to visit and an even better place to call home.

07/10/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 7-10-26

This month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation signed into law on July 26, 1990. For more than three decades, the ADA has helped remove barriers and expand opportunities for Americans with disabilities. Its anniversary is also an opportunity to consider how we can continue improving accessibility, independence, and participation in our communities.

During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed several laws aimed at improving accessibility and opportunities for Arkansans with disabilities.

Acts 906 and 907 strengthen support for students with disabilities attending Arkansas colleges and universities. These laws require institutions to establish clearer policies for evaluating accommodation requests, work directly with students to determine reasonable accommodations, and report information that will help the state better understand how students with disabilities are being served.

The Arkansas ACCESS Act also created the Governor’s Higher Education Transition Scholarship Program to help eligible students with disabilities pursue qualifying postsecondary programs.

Other legislation focused on greater independence and accessibility in everyday life. Act 98 allows physical therapists to certify patients for disability parking permits, while Act 855 establishes accessible bed-height requirements for mobility-accessible hotel rooms.

Lawmakers also passed measures to improve interactions with law enforcement and strengthen protections for vulnerable Arkansans. Act 16 created the Blue Envelope Program to help individuals with autism communicate with law enforcement during traffic stops. Act 531 created a similar Green Envelope Program for individuals diagnosed with a mental illness.

Act 951 established a new Missing Endangered Adult Advisory System for missing adults with certain disabilities who do not meet the requirements for a Silver Alert.

The anniversary of the ADA reminds us that accessibility is about more than meeting legal requirements. It is about ensuring every Arkansan has the opportunity to learn, work, travel, live independently, and participate fully in their community. The General Assembly will continue working to identify barriers and advance policies that help Arkansans with disabilities live with greater independence, dignity, and opportunity.

07/02/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 7-2-26

There is something special about the Fourth of July in Arkansas.

It's neighbors gathering for backyard cookouts, veterans leading hometown parades, kids chasing sparklers, and families proudly flying the American flag. These traditions remind us that Independence Day is about more than celebrating our nation's birthday. It's about celebrating the freedoms we share as Americans.

Two hundred fifty years ago, our Founding Fathers declared that government gets its power from the people, not the other way around. That bold idea changed history. It became the foundation of our country and remains at the heart of our democracy today.

Sometimes it's easy to think government only happens in Washington. But the American experiment is alive and well right here in Arkansas. Every time someone calls a legislator, attends a committee meeting, speaks during public testimony, or simply learns more about an issue affecting their community, they are taking part in self-government just as our founders intended.

The Arkansas House of Representatives is committed to making that participation easier. Committee meetings are open to the public. Every bill is available online. Meetings are livestreamed so anyone can follow the work of their elected officials from anywhere in the state. When citizens stay informed and get involved, our representative government works better.

As America begins celebrating its 250th anniversary, this Independence Day is a good reminder that freedom isn't something we can take for granted. Every generation has a responsibility to protect it by staying informed, serving their communities, and making their voices heard. This Fourth of July, as fireworks fill the Arkansas sky, let's celebrate not only the birth of our nation but also the enduring promise that government belongs to the people. That promise has carried our country forward for nearly 250 years, and it will continue to do so, one engaged citizen at a time.

06/26/2026

Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 6-26-26

When a crime is committed, every minute matters. Families deserve answers, victims deserve justice, and law enforcement officers need timely, reliable evidence to identify those responsible. That is why the work of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory is so important—and why the General Assembly has made significant investments to strengthen its capabilities.

Members of the Arkansas Legislative Council's Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee recently received an update on the progress being made at the Crime Lab. Among the most significant projects is the construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility, made possible through legislative action. The current laboratory is more than 40 years old and has struggled to keep pace as its caseload has doubled over the past two decades to roughly 30,000 cases annually. The new facility, scheduled for completion in 2027, will expand capacity for DNA analysis, toxicology, fi****ms, digital evidence, fingerprint analysis, and medical examiner services.

The General Assembly has also invested in the people who make this critical work possible. Competitive state employee compensation has helped the Arkansas Crime Lab achieve its highest employee retention rate in five years while attracting highly trained forensic scientists and medical examiners—experts who are in short supply nationwide. In addition, Act 619 of 2025 authorized the hiring of one new Forensic Specialist and two new Forensic Technicians, expanding the lab's capacity to process evidence more efficiently and help deliver timely answers to victims, families, and law enforcement.

Legislative action has also modernized forensic science in Arkansas. Laws passed in recent years authorized Rapid DNA technology, strengthened sexual assault kit testing and tracking, expanded postmortem examination requirements, and provided additional staffing and resources. Arkansas is expected to become just the fourth state in the nation to implement Rapid DNA technology, allowing investigators to quickly compare DNA samples through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and generate investigative leads much sooner.

These investments have a direct impact on everyday Arkansans. Faster forensic testing means violent offenders can be identified more quickly, innocent people can be excluded sooner, cold cases can be reopened with new technology, and victims and their families spend less time waiting for answers.

Mark Perry, State Representative District 66

08/29/2026

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