Arkansas governor signs bill criminalizing sale of body parts

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Thursday she had signed “Lux's Law," which institutes criminal penalties for selling human remains.

The legislation is a reaction to an April 2024 indictment against an Arkansas woman. Candance Chapman Scott admitted to selling thousands of dollars in human remains over Facebook Marketplace. Scott sold the remains to Jeremy Pauley, a tattoo artist from Pennsylvania.

Last year, Scott pleaded guilty to charges such as mail fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property, crimes that could carry a sentence of up to 30 years in prison. She did not plead guilty to selling a corpse, because at that time it was not illegal in Arkansas to sell body parts over the internet.

Arkansas governor signs bill criminalizing sale of body parts

Arkansas House

"Lux's Law," signed into law by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders this week, will criminalize people who sell a corpse or body parts.

Arkansas House committee advances bill to allow nitrogen gas executions

KUAR | By Nathan Treece

A bill to allow executions using nitrogen gas in Arkansas cleared an initial hurdle Thursday morning.

House Bill 1489 is sponsored by state Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, R-Hermitage. It would expand the state’s alternatives to lethal injection to include nitrogen hypoxia, alongside the electric chair, which is Arkansas’ only alternative on record.

In a meeting of the House Judiciary committee Thursday, Deputy Solicitor General Dylan Jacobs said the state has been seeking a resupply of lethal injection drugs since 2017.

“The lethal injection drugs are controlled substances, and the supply chains are obviously very restricted in who can purchase them," said Jacobs. "That's not necessarily the case with nitrogen gas, and states have, thus far, assessed that it's pretty available to get. I'm not aware of any troubles that Alabama has had in securing access to a supply of nitrogen.”

Arkansas House committee advances bill to allow nitrogen gas executions

Cotton, Slotkin, colleagues reintroduce legislation to address cybersecurity threats to American agriculture

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Elissa Slotkin (D- Michigan) today reintroduced the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act, legislation that would strengthen cybersecurity protections for the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sectors. The bill will identify vulnerabilities and improve protective measures of both the government and private groups against cyber threats to America’s food supply chain.

Co-sponsoring the legislation are Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Thom Tillis (R- North Carolina), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Katie Britt (R- Alabama), and Ted Budd (R- North Carolina). Congressman Brad Finstad (Minnesota-01) is introducing companion legislation in the House.

Bill text may be found here.  

Flickr Image

“America’s adversaries are seeking to gain any advantage they can against us—including targeting critical industries like agriculture. Congress must work with the Department of Agriculture to identify and defeat these cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This legislation will ensure we are prepared to protect the supply chains our farmers and all Americans rely on,” said Senator Cotton.

“Food security is national security, and the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act is a vital step toward safeguarding Michigan’s agriculture and food sectors,” said Senator Slotkin. “Cyber attacks threaten our food supply constantly, and we must ensure both government and private industries are prepared. This bipartisan bill will require the Department of Agriculture to work closely with our national security agencies to ensure that our adversaries, like China, can’t threaten our ability to feed ourselves by ourselves.”

"With innovation and advancement in precision ag technology, the agricultural industry has become more technologically advanced, creating new challenges and vulnerabilities for farmers across southern Minnesota and the nation,” said Congressman Finstad. “Food security is national security. The Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act will make tremendous strides to protect our nation’s food supply from the imminent cyber threats that the ag sector experiences here at home.”

Supporting the legislation are the North American Millers Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, USA Rice, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.

The Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act would:

• Direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a risk assessment every two years of the cybersecurity threat to, and vulnerabilities in, the agriculture and food sectors and submit a report to Congress.

• Direct the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, as well as the Director of National Intelligence, to conduct an annual cross-sector crisis simulation exercise for food-related cyber emergencies or disruptions.

U.S. Representative French Hill introduces bill to expand Flatside Wilderness Area

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today reintroduced the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act, which will add 2,215 U.S. Forest Service acres to the Flatside Wilderness area. In 2019, Flatside was initially expanded by over 600 acres under Rep. Hill’s original bill, H.R. 5636, the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act. In the 118th Congress, identical legislation from Rep. Hill was unanimously approved by the House Natural Resources Committee.

"As a ninth-generation Arkansan and a lifelong outdoorsman, I believe that all Arkansans should have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of our state. In 2019, my Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act added over 600 acres to Flatside Wilderness, known as Bethune Woods, and I also commissioned a study of all possible qualifying additions to Flatside.

“I am proud to reintroduce my Flatside Wilderness Additions Act, which will complete my work on the final expansion of Flatside Wilderness by adding 2,215 acres of existing U.S. Forest Service land. Finishing this expansion will bring more opportunities for Arkansans and visitors to explore more of our state’s natural qualities and further boost our outdoor recreation economy."

Further Background:

Flatside Wilderness Additions Act – This bill will designate an additional 2,215 acres to Flatside Wilderness. This area is a part of the Ouachita National Forest and is in Perry County, Arkansas, which is in the Second Congressional District. At the direction of Congress, this addition was thoroughly studied and evaluated by the U.S. Forest Service. They issued their report in May of 2021. This legislation is designed based on their analysis and findings. This legislation has support from local and state agencies, as well as numerous outside organizations, including:

• Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders

• Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde

• Perry County Judge Larry Blackmon

• Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

• The National Wildlife Federation

• The PEW Charitable Trusts

• Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

• The Ozark Society

• Southern Environmental Law Center

• The Wilderness Society

Flatside Wilderness Area

Boozman, Murray unveil bipartisan legislation to improve support for disabled veterans and their families, including young caregivers

WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Patty Murray (D-WA), senior members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced the Helping Heroes Act, legislation to support the families and children of disabled veterans who take on caregiving roles.

The Helping Heroes Act seeks to improve the assistance provided to children under the age of 18 that offer invaluable support to the veteran family members they live with. Because these dependents face unique challenges and take on responsibilities that their peers do not carry, this bill aims to bolster the accessibility and quality of mental health care and peer support services they can receive through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Investing in the families of our veterans is part of the commitment we have made to those who have served,” said Boozman. “By expanding the VA’s capabilities and resources to better support the needs of caregivers, including the children of disabled veterans, they will benefit in their own lives as well as enjoy more access to comprehensive tools and networks. Better grasping and responding to the impact of caring for their loved ones is an important step to raise their quality of life.”

“I’m proud to reintroduce my bipartisan legislation to help VA better support the families of disabled veterans—especially children who frequently take on caregiving roles in their families and could benefit from additional supportive services,” said Murray, daughter of a WWII veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during her childhood. “Veterans and their families have sacrificed so much for our country, and we have a responsibility to make sure the federal government is there for them and that we’re constantly working to improve the services they get through VA.”

Specifically, the Helping Heroes Act would:

• Establish a permanent Family Support Program to provide supportive services to eligible family members of disabled veterans;

• Require a coordinator at each Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) to assess the needs of veteran families in their catchment area and refer them to available local, state and federal resources; and

• Require VA to collect data on the experiences of disabled veteran families to better identify and understand their needs.

The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The Helping Heroes Act is supported by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, American Veterans and the Association of the United States Army.

More information on supporting the healthy development of children from military and veteran caregiving homes can be found in this report commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. 

Click here for full text of the legislation.

Disabled Veterans Standing Together - PICRYL Image

Panel rejects bill granting secretary of state law enforcement powers

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

A bill to give the secretary of state’s office more power over the petition process failed in an Arkansas legislative committee Thursday.

Senate Bill 212 was rejected by members of the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs committee. The bill would grant the Secretary of State’s Office law enforcement powers to investigate the validity of documents relating to ballot initiatives and petitions.

The bill failed on a voice vote after roughly an hour of debate and public comment. Activist Jimmie Cavin was one of several members of the public to speak against the bill, saying it gives the secretary of state too much power.

Panel rejects bill granting secretary of state law enforcement powers

Dwain Hebda/Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas State Capitol.

Bill amending library system director qualifications advances

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

A bill changing the requirements for library system directors is nearing final approval in the Arkansas Legislature.

Senate Bill 181 would no longer require the State Librarian or regional library system directors to hold a master’s degree from a graduate program accredited by the American Library Association. Instead, local oversight boards could consider relevant work experience as a substitute for a master’s degree when choosing a new director.

In a meeting of the House City, County and Local Affairs committee Wednesday, the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, said local library boards can be trusted to choose the most qualified candidate regardless of their education level.

Bill amending library system director qualifications advances

Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate

Arkansas state Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Jonesboro) speaks on the Senate floor in February 2023.

Klass to lead Arkansas Plant Health Clinic

By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Some people spend years trying to find a career that’s a perfect fit. For Taylor Klass, the new head plant pathologist and diagnostician at the Arkansas Plant Health Clinic, the pieces came together relatively early in her academic journey. 

NEW IN THE ROLE — Taylor Klass is the new head of the Arkansas Plant Health Clinic. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

“I studied agronomy and animal sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University in undergrad,” Klass said. “For my agronomy major, I had to take an introduction to plant pathology course, and I loved it. It was like solving a puzzle, but for plants. I decided that in graduate school, I wanted to pursue a future career in plant pathology.”

Before joining the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Klass completed her Ph.D. in plant pathology last May. Growing up in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio, Klass said she wasn’t exposed to much farming culture as a child, until an unusual summer camp in her early teens introduced her to a different way of life.

“I wasn’t in 4-H or FFA, but I grew up with a love for animals and the outdoors,” Klass said. “My parents sent me to this 1800s farm camp in Ohio’s Amish Country when I was in middle school — that was my first introduction to agriculture. For the whole week, you did farm chores and everything. I really fell in love with it — but I didn’t know you could study agriculture in college until the end of high school. When I figured that out, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Klass applied for the position with the Arkansas Plant Clinic last summer. Sherrie Smith, who ran the clinic for 18 years, retired in 2023. Jason Pavel, plant diagnostician and extension program associate for the Division of Agriculture, kept the clinic running in the interim and continues in those roles.

Klass said she wants to build on the clinic’s established reputation, holding public outreach and training sessions for extension agents, Master Gardeners and the general public.

Ken Korth, entomology and plant pathology department chair for the Division of Agriculture, said Klass’ background and disposition made her the right choice for the Arkansas Plant Health Clinic.

“Taylor joins us with a wealth of knowledge of plant diseases and a drive to use her skills in serving others,” Korth said. “Her background and education are excellent fits for a diagnostic lab. She has a good mix of practical field experience, along with expertise in emerging technologies for pathogen identification.”

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

Greer remembered for mentorship, love of science, and good insect memes

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

HOPE, Ark. — Amanda Greer is being remembered for her love of family, science and a good insect meme. By Mary Hightower. 780 words. With portrait of Greer, file photo

Greer, born in Warren, passed away Feb. 19 following a battle with cancer.

Agriculture was her life. She farmed and worked as a cotton scout and crop consultant in the 1990s. In 2006, she joined the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture as a Chicot County extension agent, moving later to Lafayette County, first as an agent, then as staff chair. Between her time in Chicot and Lafayette counties, Greer also worked as a program technician at the former Southeast Research and Extension Center in Monticello.

Amanda Greer is being remembered as a teacher at heart who loved science and a good insect meme. (U of Arkansas file photo)

In 2018, she started as lab manager for the Arkansas Nematode Diagnostic Lab, based at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope.

Kim Rowe, Hempstead County extension agent, knew Greer for two decades and said she looked to Greer for her expertise in weed identification, plant diseases, and insect and nematode problems.

“She was always patient with me busting up in her lab,” Rowe said. “She would confidently solve any mystery, no matter how much time it took.

“While I will certainly miss her mentorship and assistance professionally, mostly I will miss my friend who loved quality insect memes, photos of lichens, and trying exotic foods,” Rowe said.

Daniel Rivera, director of the Southwest Research and Extension Center, said Greer was a private person, but could be gregarious once she got to know someone.

“She was warm, witty, funny, generous with her time, and thoroughly enjoyed working in the nematode lab,” Rivera said. “She always took time to educate me about nematodes, and she was that way with anyone who came to visit the lab. From kids to state senators, all were taught equally! Her eyes would light up when they would find out something new or neat. She just loved the science.

“She felt a responsibility to ag producers, the Division of Agriculture, and the lab, and took great pride in the work the lab put out,” Rivera added. “Amanda was the living embodiment of our core values.” 

Rivera said Greer would also light up when she spoke of her daughter, and “Amanda loved talking about Dakota's accomplishments.”

Greer was also a diehard Razorback fan who loved to go to the games with her husband, William, and daughter Dakota.

“From my friend Amanda, we can take one final lesson: to be strong, steadfast in your tasks, and ensure that you spend time and enjoy the ones you love as much as you can,” Rivera said.

Terry Kirkpatrick, who oversaw the nematode lab before retiring and recommended Greer for the job, having been her adviser through her master’s studies and had seen her at work as an extension agent.

Her success as an extension educator was because “she was a teacher at heart,” Kirkpatrick said. “It took her about 15 minutes to win over the farmers in Lafayette County, because she was out there with them.

“She might show up at suppertime on a Friday night at a farmer’s house and say, ‘I just walked through your rice field and you’ve got blast and you probably need to think about spraying that first of next week’,” Kirkpatrick said. “She was just Johnny-on-the-spot and she’d take them out there to look for blast or root knot nematodes, or whatever the disease of the week was.”

“Quietly and not in the headlines, she had a significant impact through all the things she did,” Kirkpatrick said.

Ken Korth, head of the entomology and plant pathology department for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and the Division of Agriculture, said “we were so fortunate that Amanda was able to take on the leadership position at the nematode diagnostic lab. 

“Her expertise and approach made her an outstanding diagnostician. I think her strong performance truly benefited from a broad background in agriculture, having served as a county agent and working on the family farm,” Korth said. “Amanda earned her master’s degree in our department working under the direction of Dr. Terry Kirkpatrick. It was especially enjoyable to have one of our alumni back working as a colleague.” 

Jerri Dew, Lafayette County extension staff chair, said that Greer was highly respected in the row crop community.

“Many Lafayette County farmers still had close ties to her and consulted with her regularly,” Dew said. “When I came to work in Lafayette County, Amanda helped me more than any other person in extension. She is going to be sorely missed by a lot of people.”

Greer is survived by her husband of 22 years, William "Shotgun” Greer, and daughter, Dakota Greer.

A visitation and funeral service were held in Lake Village.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Visitors Get Look at New, Full-Service UAMS Plastic Surgery Center

By Linda Satter

Sunlight streamed through full-length glass windows into the sixth-floor reception area of the new University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Plastic Surgery Clinic in the Freeway Medical Tower, adding an element of warmth on an otherwise cold day.

It was Feb. 13, the perfect day for a three-hour Open House that provided members of the public and UAMS employees with an up-close look at the newly refurbished, light-filled space.

Visitors toured the seven exam rooms, the large procedure room and the consult and triage spaces while nibbling on snacks and visiting with two of the three surgeons who work at the clinic as well as advanced practice providers and staff members.

The clinic opened without fanfare Dec. 18, 2024, occupying 4,365 square feet on the sixth floor and cementing UAMS’ heavy presence in the building, which also houses other UAMS clinics and offices.

Visitors Get Look at New, Full-Service UAMS Plastic Surgery Center

James Yuen, M.D., left, chief of the UAMS Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, visits with David Sterling, M.D., a cosmetic surgery specialist, in the new clinic. Image by Evan Lewis

Arkansas Senate advances two stalled bills that would change citizen-led ballot initiative process

KUAR | By Tess Vrbin / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

In a reversal, the Arkansas Senate allowed two proposed changes to the state’s citizen-led ballot measure process to advance to the House on Tuesday after failing to pass the bills’ emergency clauses earlier this month.

Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, is sponsoring a slew of legislation he has said would deter fraudulent behavior and protect the integrity of the signature collection process for proposed ballot measures.

Opponents of the bills have called them a threat to the public’s right to change laws and the state Constitution, which fewer than half of states allow, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Arkansas Senate advances two stalled bills that would change citizen-led ballot initiative process

Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate

Sen. Kim Hammer (left), R-Benton, and Sen. Jonathan Dismang (right), R-Searcy, listen to the votes on the emergency clauses of two bills Hammer is sponsoring that would change Arkansas’ ballot initiative petition process on the Senate floor on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Bill would let utilities raise rates annually to build power plants

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Legislative sponsors have introduced a bill they say will allow electric utilities to increase rates sooner and annually to build power plants, ultimately creating lower rates long term.

Senate Bill 307, otherwise known as the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025, would allow utilities and electric cooperatives to file annual riders with the state Public Service Commission (PSC). Those riders would allow them to increase rates annually before a new plant is fully capitalized, rather than the current system that enacts a larger rate increase near the end of the process. The commission would have to determine if the update is in the public interest.

The 62-page bill would not allow annual updates to increase to the point that they are more than 10% below the national average for all sectors. The commission could allow utilities to increase rates above that amount if there is evidence the rates would attract or retain economic development opportunities and would be in the public interest.

Bill would let utilities raise rates annually to build power plants

Attorney General Griffin sues General Motors and OnStar for deceiving Arkansans and unlawfully selling data

Griffin: ‘We Will Hold GM Accountable For Deceiving Arkansans And Increasing Profits Through Deceptive Practices’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement announcing that his office has sued General Motors and its subsidiary OnStar for deceiving Arkansans and selling data collected through OnStar to third parties, who then sold the data to insurance companies:

Flickr Image

“This case is about General Motors and OnStar improperly collecting detailed driving data and selling that data to third parties. These third parties then sold the data to insurance companies, who used that data to deny consumers coverage or increase their rates. Despite advertising OnStar as offering the benefits of better driving, safety, and operability of its vehicles, GM and OnStar used the data to pad their profits at the expense of consumers. GM and OnStar deceived consumers about how they used the driving data. In our lawsuit, we are alleging violations under the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and unjust enrichment. We are seeking monetary relief, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees and expenses.

“We will hold GM accountable for deceiving Arkansans and increasing profits through deceptive practices.”

To read a copy of the lawsuit, click here.

To download a PDF of this release, click here.

Cotton, Coons reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to restore injunctive relief for patent infringement

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) today reintroduced the Realizing Engineering, Science, and Technology Opportunities by Restoring Exclusive (RESTORE) Patent Rights Act of 2025. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would restore the presumption that courts will issue an injunction to stop patent infringers, strengthening protections for U.S. inventors, entrepreneurs, universities, and startups. Representatives Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas) and Madeleine Dean (D-Pennsylvania) also introduced the House companion bill. 

“American ingenuity should be rewarded and protected,” said Senator Cotton. “Current patent law fails to protect inventors and leaves them vulnerable to intellectual property theft from adversaries like China. This bipartisan legislation will help solidify America’s edge in technological innovation.”

Patent Application - Pix4Free.org Image

“Thanks to a wrongheaded decision from the Supreme Court, there are now companies who steal patented technologies rather than license them from inventors and then justify their actions as simply the cost of doing business. Innovators at universities and startups who lack resources are often unable to stop patent infringement in court and are forced into licensing deals they do not want,” said Senator Coons. “The RESTORE Patent Rights Act will protect innovators across the country, stop the infringe-now, pay-later model in its tracks, and strengthen America's economic competitiveness for generations to come.”
For more than two centuries, courts granted injunctive relief in most patent cases upon a finding of infringement, preventing patent infringers from continuing to produce goods that ran afoul of patent laws. However, this practice was upended in 2006 when the Supreme Court’s decision in eBay v. MercExchange created a four-factor test to determine whether a permanent injunction is warranted in infringement cases, altering the longstanding remedy for patent infringement.

Since that decision, obtaining injunctive relief in patent cases has become significantly more difficult and rare. A recent study found that requests for permanent injunctions in patent cases fell by 65% for companies that use their patented technology to manufacture a product; grants of permanent injunctions to those companies fell even more significantly. Requests and grants for licensing patent owners like universities and research clinics dropped even further: Requests fell by 85%, and grants fell by 90%. 

The RESTORE Patent Rights Act would undo the damage of the eBay decision by returning to patent owners a rebuttable presumption that an injunction is warranted after a court makes a final ruling that their rights are being infringed. This would deter predatory infringers and restore meaning to the right to exclude.

“American innovation is only as strong as the confidence in knowing ideas cannot be stolen by competitors. In the last two decades, innovators have found it harder to obtain a permanent injunction from U.S. courts, which stops bad actors from stealing their intellectual property (IP). Our legislation will restore the rights of American innovators by ensuring permanent injunctions are accessible from U.S. courts. This bill will provide greater certainty in the protection of IP and prevent cases from being taken overseas to countries like China. When U.S. courts enforce the exclusivity of patent rights, America becomes a world leader in innovation,” said Congressman Moran.  

“Enforceable patents are vital to our ability to invent, improve and advance – yet today, it is increasingly difficult for patent holders to enforce their rights through permanent injunctions, even after proving infringement in court,” said Congresswoman Dean. “The bipartisan, bicameral RESTORE Act addresses this issue and safeguards American innovation. I’m grateful to be joined by Congressman Moran, Senator Coons, and Senator Cotton in our push to protect patentholders, including universities, research laboratories, and startups.”

“Years of economic pitfalls and regulatory restrictions have stifled innovation and competition, preventing American companies from flourishing and dominating markets. As new competitors emerge against American companies, safeguarding intellectual property rights and strong patent protections are more necessary than ever. Congress has a duty to protect the fruits of Americans’ labor and secure America’s success against our competitors. The RESTORE Patent Rights Act is an important bill that promotes domestic innovation and healthy industry competition that will secure American superiority in global markets,” said Heritage Action Executive Vice President Ryan Walker.

Text of the bill may be found here.

Arkansas’ First Gentleman Bryan Sanders sees opportunities in the state’s outdoor economy

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Bryan Sanders, the state’s first First Gentleman, was given a task by his wife, Gov. Sarah Sanders, early in her administration: grow Arkansas’ outdoor economy.

And that’s what he aims to do.

It’s an unpaid job, but Bryan Sanders is well-suited for the role. He loves to fish and hunt. He’s an avid hiker and mountain biker. And he loves the beauty of the Natural State. Gov. Sanders put Bryan in charge of the Natural State Advisory Council, a group of public and private stakeholders in the tourism industry that is identifying ways for Arkansas to stand out from its neighboring competitors and to provide world-class attractions to outdoors lovers.

“I think the focus of Natural State Initiative all along has been collaboration,” Bryan said in an interview with Northeast Arkansas Talk Business & Politics. “It’s not meant to be top down, heavy-handed government. It’s really how you bring together all the different stakeholders and find ways that we can collaborate and really move the needle in terms of, No. 1, establishing Arkansas even more as a world-class destination for outdoor recreation but also just growing our outdoor economy and tourism industry.”

Arkansas’ First Gentleman Bryan Sanders sees opportunities in the state’s outdoor economy

First Gentleman Bryan Sanders and his son, George.

Tyson Foods tightens its management circle

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Tyson Foods has given two top executives expanded roles, according to a Tuesday (Feb. 25) filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Springdale-based meat giant named Devin Cole as group president of poultry, succeeding Wes Morris who is stepping down. Morris will remain with the company to assist in the transition and plans to retire early next year.

In addition to his new role, Cole will continue to oversee the company’s international and global McDonald’s businesses, which are jobs he has held since early 2024. He will report to CEO Donnie King. Cole has more than 22 years at Tyson Foods, and management positions at Keystone Foods and George’s Inc. of Springdale where he spent seven years as chief operating officer.

Tyson Foods tightens its management circle

Boozman, Schmitt, Van Hollen champion bipartisan legislation to support Americans with disabilities

WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) partnered with Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to introduce the Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act, bipartisan legislation to make several provisions related to Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings accounts permanent.

ABLE accounts allow Americans with disabilities and their families to utilize tax-free savings programs without losing eligibility for federal programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.

“Individuals with disabilities and their loved ones need flexibility to help meet financial needs. Giving them that opportunity is common sense and I’m pleased to support a bipartisan effort to ensure they can continue to save for the future and achieve financial security free from costly penalties,” said Boozman.

Disability Awareness Activity - PICRYL PD Image

“I was proud to lead the introduction of the ENABLE Act in the 118th Congress, where this critical legislation passed the Senate. I entered public service to fight for people like my son Stephen. Stephen was born with a rare genetic disease, is on the autism spectrum, has epilepsy, and is non-verbal. I know firsthand how critical ABLE accounts are to individuals with disabilities and their families. ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save for their future and ease burdens on their families. It’s a common-sense solution that provides an easy fix for those who depend on ABLE accounts, and I’m proud to have bipartisan, bicameral support for this important piece of legislation,” said Schmitt.

“I worked alongside a bipartisan coalition to create the ABLE Program over a decade ago to expand financial tools for people with disabilities and their families. Since then, it has helped empower more than a hundred thousand Americans and provide greater flexibility for families to support loved ones with disabilities. Making these key ABLE provisions permanent will build on the success of the ABLE Act and allow these Americans and many more to continue growing their savings and strengthening their economic independence,” said Van Hollen.

The ENABLE Act will make the below provisions that are set to expire this year permanent:

• 529 to ABLE Rollover: Permits an individual with a disability to rollover savings from a 529 education savings account to an ABLE account that are less than or equal to the annual ABLE contribution limit tax and penalty free;

• ABLE Saver’s Credit: Permits an individual with a disability who makes qualified contributions to an ABLE account eligible for a nonrefundable saver’s credit of up to $1,000; and

• ABLE to Work: Permits an individual with a disability who is employed to contribute an additional amount to his or her ABLE account provided it is not greater than either the prior year’s federal poverty level for a one-person household ($15,060 in 2024), or the beneficiary’s yearly compensation.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Fetterman (D-PA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ). 

Congressmen Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) and Don Beyer (D-VA-08) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Click here to view the text of the bill

Womack Statement on Passage of Budget Resolution

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after voting in support of the House Budget Resolution, H. Con. Res. 14:

Congressman Womack said, “This budget resolution is step one. It serves as a budget blueprint and procedural avenue to unlock the reconciliation process. Advancing the resolution through both chambers is necessary to make commonsense policies a reality. Investments in border security, national defense, and energy production—while saving taxpayer dollars—are tools to build a more prosperous nation. The resolution also provides a pathway to extend the Trump tax cuts, preventing the largest tax increase in history for everyday families and small businesses. My vote today was to establish the framework to deliver tangible results for Americans.”

Details:

H. Con. Res. 14 contains budgetary instructions for committees to produce legislation that ensures tax relief for working families and small businesses, reins in reckless federal spending, unleashes energy dominance, and makes America safe again:

• Sets targets and instructs committees to draft specific reconciliation legislation.

• Requires at least $1.5 trillion in mandatory spending savings over 10 years, while incentivizing instructed committees to aim for $2 trillion in total deficit reduction.

• Provides up to $300 billion for border security and defense.

• Provides budgetary space for the Ways and Means Committee to prevent tax hikes and deliver on President Trump’s tax priorities.

• Provides for a commonsense increase in the debt ceiling by $4 trillion.

Cooperative Extension Service University Center launches new Labor Market Observatory tool

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service has released a new data tool providing access to workforce indicators across the state.

The Labor Market Observatory provides data from each of the state’s eight economic development districts. The new tool is a product of extension’s Community, Professional and Economic Development department. In the fall of 2023, the department received funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center Program to create the Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development. The center worked in partnership with Heartland Forward to develop the LMO.

“The Labor Market Observatory is a visual representation of workforce and demographic metrics for the state of Arkansas,” said Brandon L. Mathews, extension program associate for economic development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — A new data tool, created in partnership by the Cooperative Extension Service and Heartland Forward, provides access to workforce indicators from each of Arkansas' eight economic development districts, which are funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. (Division of Agriculture graphic.) 

Mathews said the tool is designed to help development professionals, community organizations and individuals access workforce indicators from state and federal sources. These indicators include demographic information — such as the share of Hispanic, Marshallese, and rural and urban populations — as well as housing, income and employment statistics at the county, development district and state level.

Arkansas is divided into eight economic development districts that are funded in part by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. These districts offer a range of services for their communities, including grant writing, planning, and community and economic development.

“Economic development districts were the primary audience in developing the LMO tool,” Mathews said. “However, economic developers, city and county officials, chambers of commerce and the general public will be able to access the LMO. The goal of this tool is to provide workforce information to help communities make informed decisions based on key data, while also making the information easier to understand.”

Mathews said that when a development professional from one of the districts wants to calculate housing costs and income for a region and compare it to the whole state, for example, the LMO tool will retrieve the relevant data and calculate totals, rather than the individual having to compile data from several sources.

“All of that work is done for them through the LMO, automatically saving them time and resources,” he said.

Mathews said the LMO is intended to help the state’s economic and workforce practitioners make smart choices that “support workforce and human capital projects that are good for Arkansans.”

Help for Arkansans

Each economic development district is required to develop a data-driven plan that is specific to the needs and opportunities of their community. Mathews said the LMO can help these regions measure success in reaching their strategic goals.

“As LMO data and features are added over time,” Mathews said, “the hope is that the Cooperative Extension Service will become a trusted and reliable source for workforce data.”

Hunter Goodman, assistant professor and extension director of the Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development, said the LMO is key to the center’s mission.

“The data dashboards are an important component of our mission to equip Arkansans with sustainable, accessible, research-based practices and expertise to create vibrant, self-reliant communities where businesses, organizations and families thrive,” Goodman said.

The LMO was developed in partnership with Heartland Forward, a Bentonville-based organization dedicated to advancing economic success in the middle of the country, with three core impact areas: regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness. Heartland Forward led the creation of the visualization dashboard.

“We’re excited to roll out the dashboards and honored to serve as a trusted resource for this project,” said Rodrigo Ramirez-Perez, a research analyst at Heartland Forward. “By making data more accessible and approachable for development professionals, community organizations and individuals alike, we believe they can strengthen their communities through strategies informed by data-driven insights.”

Mathews said more workforce data will be added to the LMO in the coming months, with plans to provide data at the city or zip code level where available. The University Center plans to host a series of trainings on how to use the LMO, which will soon be added to the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture calendar. Event postings will also be shared on the Division of Agriculture’s Community and Economic Development Facebook page.  

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station researchers recognized as top-cited scientists

By Maddie Johnson
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Seventeen Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station researchers are among those ranked as the world’s most-cited scientists, an indication of their impact across multiple fields of inquiry.

Each year, a Stanford University professor uses data from Scopus, a citation database with content from more than 7,000 publishers and 91 million records, to assemble a database of the world’s most-cited researchers.

SHARING DISCOVERY — Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station researchers bring real-world benefit through conducting experiments and publishing their findings with the broader scientific community. (U of A System Division of Agriculture) 

The rankings are based on a composite score that includes metrics such as citation counts and what’s known as “h-index,” which is an indicator of the impact of an author’s publications. For example, an h-index of 20 shows that a researcher published at least 20 papers that have each been cited at least 20 times. Data is made available by Elsevier, the publishing company that owns Scopus.

“We are proud to see so many of our scientists on this list. Faculty with experiment station appointments have an average h-index of 15.9 and were cited more than 25,000 times last year,” said Jean-François Meullenet, director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. “This is a true testament to the impact they are having on agriculture, food and life sciences in Arkansas and beyond.”

The experiment station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The rankings include a list of top-cited researchers based on a single year of data — 2023, which was the most recent year of complete data at the time of the rankings — and a list of researchers ranked based on career citations going back to 1996. Faculty are included if their composite scores are in the top 100,000 scientists or fall within the top 2 percent in their field of expertise.

“Research citations are a way to validate quality science, as well as the regional and national impact and reputation of our researchers,” said Deacue Fields, head of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “This is a testament to both relevance and return on investment for research conducted by UADA scientists.  

“Congratulations to everyone who made such a significant contribution to science, and I look forward to seeing this list grow,” he said.

The lists are in their sixth year of publication and are compiled by John P.A. Ioannidis, a Stanford University professor of medicine.

Single-year top-cited experiment station faculty

• Griffiths Atungulu, associate professor and director of the Rice Processing Program, food science.

• Walter Bottje, professor, poultry science.

• Nilda R. Burgos, professor, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Sami Dridi, professor, poultry science.

• Kristen Gibson, professor and director of the Center for Food Safety, food science.

• Michael T. Kidd, professor, poultry science.

• Jason Norsworthy, Distinguished Professor, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Casey M. Owens, Novus International Professor, poultry science.

• Andy Pereira, professor, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Han-Seok Seo, professor and director of the Sensory Science Center, food science.

• Ya Jane Wang, professor, food science.

Career-long top-cited experiment station faculty

*Asterisks indicate faculty members also appearing in the single-year list above.

• Walter Bottje,* professor, poultry science.

• Kristofor R. Brye, University Professor of applied soil physics and pedology, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Nilda R. Burgos,* professor, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Gisela F. Erf, Tyson Endowed Professor of Avian Immunology, poultry science.

• Fiona L. Goggin, professor, entomology and plant pathology.

• Brian E. Haggard, professor and director of the Arkansas Water Resources Center, biological and agricultural engineering.

• Billy M. Hargis, Distinguished Professor and director of the John Kirkpatrick Skeels Poultry Health Laboratory, poultry science.

• Michael T. Kidd,* professor, poultry science.

• Wayne J. Kuenzel, professor, poultry science.

• Jason Norsworthy,* Distinguished Professor, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Casey M. Owens,* Novus International Professor, poultry science.

• Andy Pereira,* professor, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Han-Seok Seo,* professor and director of the Sensory Science Center, food science.

• Ya Jane Wang,* professor, food science.

Retired experiment station faculty

In addition to active experiment station faculty, the rankings lists also include several retired faculty members. Retired faculty that appeared on either or both lists include:

• Nick Anthony, poultry science.

• John R. Clark, horticulture.

• Navam S. Hettiarachchy, food science.

• Luke Howard, food science.

• Yanbin Li, biological and agricultural engineering.

• Derrick M. Oosterhuis, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Larry C. Purcell, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Andrew N. Sharpley, crop, soil, and environmental sciences.

• Guillermo Tellez-Isaias, poultry science.

• Robert Wideman, poultry science.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.