State Representative Brian Evans

Yesterday I had the privilege of representing Arkansas at the White House State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

The day included a series of policy briefings with federal leaders covering Intergovernmental Affairs, FBI, Environmental Permitting, National Cybersecurity, Transportation, Healthcare, Communications, and Homeland Security.

These meetings are an important opportunity to hear directly from federal officials, exchange ideas with leaders from across the country, and ensure Arkansas has a voice in conversations that affect our state’s future.

It is always an honor to represent Arkansas and continue working to keep our state moving forward.

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.

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.

Incredibly proud of all the faculty and staff of the Cabot Public School District for their amazing achievements this year on the Atlas exam. Great job & well done!

Especially proud of Cabot teacher, Haley Teer, and her dedication to every student in her classroom. It was great to see her honored yesterday by the Arkansas Department of Education. #𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀