Dear Fayetteville,

Legislative session is in full swing! Here's a recap of what I did Week 3 and what's up next.
Bills I've Filed
Last week I filed two bills:
* HB1245 ([link removed]) : This bill would create a registry for Applied Behavior Analysts (ABAs), who provide critical support to children with autism. It gives an Arkansas-based board the authority to oversee ABAs who register with the State. Creation of a state registry will provide more structure and support for these essential practitioners, as well as more accountability to the children and parents they serve. This is a new version of the bill I passed through both chambers last session that the Governor ultimately vetoed.
* HB1322 ([link removed]) : This bill aims to improve retirement benefits for widows of firefighters who have died in the line of duty. These families have made the ultimate sacrifice and this bill seeks to provide them with greater security and support.

I’ll keep you updated as these bills work their way through the legislative process and I’m excited to file some more soon.

The best days on this job are when Fayetteville comes to town and last week was an embarrassment of riches in that respect!

Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition
On Wednesday, I met with Sarah, Catie, and Claire from the Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition. We discussed potential legislation (and also took some selfies for mutual friends.) Their work to push for meaningful criminal justice reform is invaluable and I’m grateful for their insights.
AJRC also posted this reel ([link removed]) on Instagram where I gave some tips on how to engage with legislators this session. My main points were:
1. Committee meetings are the only time in the legislative process where members of the public can come and be heard on the record with respect to their thoughts on a specific bill. However! Just because a bill is on a Committee’s agenda does not mean it will be heard that day. So, if you have a bill you’re following particularly closely, try to find out from your Representative/Senator when it will be heard in committee. Then, if you can, show up!
2. Share personal stories. Nothing is more compelling and helpful than hearing how a piece of legislation will operate in reality and impact folks on the ground. Don’t assume we know. Please share your expertise with us! And yes. Your lived experience – whatever it may be – is expertise.
3. If you notice a legislator – particularly one who you may usually disagree with – do something you appreciate, let them know. Legislators are used to hearing from people who are upset. You will surprise and delight them if they hear from you for the first time and it’s nothing but a simple “Thank you for that tough vote/good question.” And then, when you do have an ask of them, they’ll likely be more open to hearing it.

I'm so grateful for young people like Catie and Claire doing the hard work and showing up.

Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce

I also had the pleasure of getting to see friends from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, including Jennifer Irwin, the new Chamber President. It was a fantastic conversation about the good work the team is doing to support businesses and drive growth in our community. I’m so excited about her leadership and it was wonderful to welcome her to a legislative event for the first time in her new role.

University STEM Day at the Capitol

Finally, on Thursday, I welcomed University of Arkansas students to the Capitol as they presented their research in various STEM fields. Their enthusiasm and innovation were inspiring and I was so happy for these bright young students to show their policy-makers all the good that higher education is doing for our state.
SB3 and the Fight Ahead

Sen. Dan Sullivan’s headline ([link removed]) -grabbing SB3 ([link removed]) , which would end all so-called "preferential treatment" based on “race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin” passed out of the Senate late last week. This bill will, in actuality, erase decades of work done in the state to provide opportunities for women and people of color. If, for instance, Springdale School District wanted to hire a Marshallese liaison, this bill would prohibit school administrators from taking job applicants' national origin into consideration. All girls' clubs, scholarships for women, and grants for women- and minority-owned businesses would be on the chopping block. This is a bad bill. And it will likely be before the House State Agencies Committee on Wednesday. I will fight against this
bill, but your voices matter so much, too. If you oppose this legislation, I encourage you to reach out to committee members and let them know where you stand.

As always, please remember that you don’t know where any legislator stands on any issue until they tell you. These conversations can be intimidating, infuriating, and even painful, but they are always more productive if you can start from a place of curiosity and assuming good intentions.
Keep Pushing Forward

Legislative session is never easy. Meaningful change takes persistence and time. We may face roadblocks, but that doesn’t mean we stop. We have to put our heads down and find a new way forward, with as much creativity and stamina as we can muster. I remain committed to fighting for policies that uplift and protect our community, and I’m grateful to have you alongside me in the work.

As always, you can follow along for real-time updates on Instagram, Facebook, and X (@NicoleClowneyAR on all those platforms). If you want to be in touch directly, the best way to reach me—especially during session—is by text at (479) 445-5337.

Thank you for your engagement and passion. Let’s keep pushing forward together!

Love,
Nicole

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