Representative Ryan Rose (R – Van Buren) shared his insights on the Arkansas General Assembly’s most recent session, highlighting key legislative achievements and challenges. Currently serving his second term, Rose emphasized a busier and more impactful session, particularly due to his involvement in meaningful legislation through the State Agencies and Public Health committees.
Key Legislative Accomplishments
Rep. Rose praised the legislature’s progress in education, tax reform, healthcare, and anti-human trafficking measures. He noted that the session marked a productive phase for the state, though not without setbacks.
“It was a busy session. We worked hard in committee, especially on constitutional amendments and complex bills. I’m proud of the work we did for Arkansans,” Rose said.
Among the highlights, he pointed to new laws improving breast cancer care, stronger penalties and support mechanisms to combat human trafficking, and financial relief through targeted tax cuts.
Here are the key takeaways from the interview:
- [00:00:46] Legislative Involvement & Committees
Rose describes his active role in the Public Health and State Agencies committees, which reviewed numerous bills and constitutional amendments. - [00:02:12] Constitutional Amendments
The committee reviewed 20 proposed amendments, some of which are expected on the November 2025 ballot. - [00:02:38] ✅ Key Legislative Wins
- 🧑🏫 Education Reform: Support for the governor’s higher ed initiatives.
- Cell Phone Restrictions: Advocated for the “No Cell Phone Act” to reduce classroom distractions and protect youth development.
- 💵 Tax Relief: Supported bills reducing grocery taxes and increasing homestead tax credits (Rep. Underwood).
- [00:04:06] 💊 Healthcare and Pharmacy Reform:
- HB 1150: Targeted Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to prevent monopolistic practices and reduce drug costs.
- [00:05:04] 🚨 Human Trafficking Bills:
- SB428 & SB430: Extended the statute of limitations and mandated restitution for survivors.
- Rose coordinated a working group involving law enforcement and legislators to develop this package.
- [00:07:13] 🎗️ Breast Cancer Legislation (Inspired by his wife’s battle):
- HB1309 (Act 268): Removed cost barriers for diagnostic screenings, potentially saving lives.
- HB1859: Expanded insurance coverage for reconstructive surgery post-mastectomy, inspired by his wife’s personal journey.
- [00:11:05] 🌐 National Security / Lobbying Reform:
- Co-sponsored a bill to prohibit foreign lobbying by hostile entities like China or Russia.
- Passed the House but stalled in the Senate after multiple failed attempts.
- [00:14:25] 🥤 Soda Tax Repeal:
- Co-sponsored legislation to eliminate the soda tax, which failed in the House.
- Cited misinformation and concerns over Medicaid funding as reasons for opposition.
*at the time of this interview, Rep. Rose had not announced his campaign for re-election. On May 21, 2025, Rose officially announced his candicacy for re-election to the Arkansas House of Representatives, seeking House District 48.
