State House 5
1. Abortion: Arkansas’ current law that prohibits abortion except to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency.
Truman Copeland (Republican)
Support
One life for another life is not the intent of the pro-life movement. We must continue to protect life and this is why I support this law. I would continue to add to this law in more protections to the child as medical achievements continue to grow. I would also add on to this law to protect Arkansas Children and babies for out of state Abortions to the level of our Constitutional rights.
One life for another life is not the intent of the pro-life movement. We must continue to protect life and this is why I support this law. I would continue to add to this law in more protections to the child as medical achievements continue to grow. I would also add on to this law to protect Arkansas Children and babies for out of state Abortions to the level of our Constitutional rights.
Jeff Pratt (Republican)
Support
I am firmly Pro-Life, and I support Arkansas’ laws that protect unborn children while allowing medical intervention when the life of the mother is truly at risk. Every life is precious, and I believe our state has taken a strong, moral stand by prohibiting abortion except in cases of genuine medical emergency. This approach upholds the dignity of both mother and child while ensuring doctors can act when necessary to save a woman’s life. I will continue to support policies that defend the most vulnerable among us, strengthen a culture of life, and provide resources for mothers, families, and children across Arkansas.
I am firmly Pro-Life, and I support Arkansas’ laws that protect unborn children while allowing medical intervention when the life of the mother is truly at risk. Every life is precious, and I believe our state has taken a strong, moral stand by prohibiting abortion except in cases of genuine medical emergency. This approach upholds the dignity of both mother and child while ensuring doctors can act when necessary to save a woman’s life. I will continue to support policies that defend the most vulnerable among us, strengthen a culture of life, and provide resources for mothers, families, and children across Arkansas.
2. Abortion: Establishing a permanent funding stream to provide state-funded grants to charities that provide women with alternatives to abortion.
Truman Copeland (Republican)
Undecided
I believe that when we stop taking so much money out of the pockets of everyday Arkansans, charitable giving will naturally increase. I fully support helping children and families after birth, but I need to hear more arguments from both sides to determine the best way to do that. At this time, taking money from one struggling family to support another struggling family raises concerns for me about government overreach. I am still evaluating the most effective and responsible approach.
I believe that when we stop taking so much money out of the pockets of everyday Arkansans, charitable giving will naturally increase. I fully support helping children and families after birth, but I need to hear more arguments from both sides to determine the best way to do that. At this time, taking money from one struggling family to support another struggling family raises concerns for me about government overreach. I am still evaluating the most effective and responsible approach.
Jeff Pratt (Republican)
Support
While government funding is not always the best or only answer, I am open to exploring a permanent, responsible funding stream that would provide state-funded grants to charities and organizations that support women with real alternatives to abortion. Many of these groups offer counseling, medical support, housing assistance, adoption services, and long-term care that strengthens both mothers and families. I believe Arkansas can champion life not only through law, but through compassion—supporting women in crisis and ensuring they never feel alone.
While government funding is not always the best or only answer, I am open to exploring a permanent, responsible funding stream that would provide state-funded grants to charities and organizations that support women with real alternatives to abortion. Many of these groups offer counseling, medical support, housing assistance, adoption services, and long-term care that strengthens both mothers and families. I believe Arkansas can champion life not only through law, but through compassion—supporting women in crisis and ensuring they never feel alone.
3. Education: The Arkansas LEARNS Act Educational Freedom Accounts that lets families use public dollars to pay for an education at a private school or homeschool.
Truman Copeland (Republican)
Oppose
I do not oppose the LEARNS Act as a whole, but I believe we need to be very careful about how we fund private schools. Just as we have seen with many colleges, increased access to public dollars can lead to tuition inflation, resulting in private schools raising prices simply because more taxpayer money is available. This could put us right back in the same situation we are trying to fix, only with higher costs to the state.
I have no concerns with the many homeschooling parents who are already providing excellent education for their children. In fact, many homeschool students outperform their public-school peers. My concern is that expanding Education Freedom Accounts may encourage some parents who are not prepared to dedicate the necessary time to rely on state funds without ensuring proper instruction.
Instead of large stipends, my proposal would be to offer targeted tax relief—such as reduced property taxes—for families who choose alternatives to public schooling. That approach respects school choice, protects taxpayers, avoids inflationary tuition pressure, and acknowledges that these families are not utilizing public school resources.
I do not oppose the LEARNS Act as a whole, but I believe we need to be very careful about how we fund private schools. Just as we have seen with many colleges, increased access to public dollars can lead to tuition inflation, resulting in private schools raising prices simply because more taxpayer money is available. This could put us right back in the same situation we are trying to fix, only with higher costs to the state.
I have no concerns with the many homeschooling parents who are already providing excellent education for their children. In fact, many homeschool students outperform their public-school peers. My concern is that expanding Education Freedom Accounts may encourage some parents who are not prepared to dedicate the necessary time to rely on state funds without ensuring proper instruction.
Instead of large stipends, my proposal would be to offer targeted tax relief—such as reduced property taxes—for families who choose alternatives to public schooling. That approach respects school choice, protects taxpayers, avoids inflationary tuition pressure, and acknowledges that these families are not utilizing public school resources.
Jeff Pratt (Republican)
Oppose
I fully support a parent’s right to choose the best educational path for their children—whether that’s public school, private school, or homeschooling. I exercised that choice myself when my sons attended private school, and I never expected taxpayers to fund that personal decision. However, I oppose using public tax dollars to subsidize private or home-schooling, without some oversite and testing. Public school funds are allocated by voters to support the local schools that serve our entire community. When those dollars are diverted away, it weakens the very system most families rely on. I believe in preserving strong, well-funded public schools while protecting the freedom of parental choice without shifting the financial responsibility to taxpayers.
I fully support a parent’s right to choose the best educational path for their children—whether that’s public school, private school, or homeschooling. I exercised that choice myself when my sons attended private school, and I never expected taxpayers to fund that personal decision. However, I oppose using public tax dollars to subsidize private or home-schooling, without some oversite and testing. Public school funds are allocated by voters to support the local schools that serve our entire community. When those dollars are diverted away, it weakens the very system most families rely on. I believe in preserving strong, well-funded public schools while protecting the freedom of parental choice without shifting the financial responsibility to taxpayers.
4. Drugs: Legalizing recreational marijuana in Arkansas.
Truman Copeland (Republican)
Oppose
You can find my already posted position here:
https://votecopeland.com/my-thoughts-on-recreational-marijuana-use/
You can find my already posted position here:
https://votecopeland.com/my-thoughts-on-recreational-marijuana-use/
Jeff Pratt (Republican)
Oppose
I oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana in Arkansas because I believe it would create more problems than it solves. Law enforcement, educators, and medical professionals across our state continue to warn about the impact of increased drug availability on teens, public safety, and workplaces. We are already facing challenges with impaired driving, addiction, and mental-health concerns—legalization would only add to that burden. While I support responsible medical use under strict guidelines, I do not believe recreational marijuana aligns with the values or long-term well-being of our communities. My priority is keeping Arkansas families safe, healthy, and focused on building strong, successful futures.
I oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana in Arkansas because I believe it would create more problems than it solves. Law enforcement, educators, and medical professionals across our state continue to warn about the impact of increased drug availability on teens, public safety, and workplaces. We are already facing challenges with impaired driving, addiction, and mental-health concerns—legalization would only add to that burden. While I support responsible medical use under strict guidelines, I do not believe recreational marijuana aligns with the values or long-term well-being of our communities. My priority is keeping Arkansas families safe, healthy, and focused on building strong, successful futures.
5. Tech: Requiring major social media websites to verify all users’ ages in order to protect children on their platforms.
Truman Copeland (Republican)
Oppose
This is clearly a Family issue. I believe that some parents may believe that is okay that their child is on some major media websites and not okay on others. Forcing platforms to do this is what I believe is government over-reach. Parents need to parent, we already can find out through router information what devices go to what IPs (or websites) Let parents parent.
This is clearly a Family issue. I believe that some parents may believe that is okay that their child is on some major media websites and not okay on others. Forcing platforms to do this is what I believe is government over-reach. Parents need to parent, we already can find out through router information what devices go to what IPs (or websites) Let parents parent.
Jeff Pratt (Republican)
Support
I support requiring major social media platforms to verify the ages of all users in order to protect Arkansas children. Too many young people are being exposed to harmful content, online predators, bullying, and addictive algorithms long before they are mature enough to navigate the digital world safely. Age verification is a reasonable and necessary step that holds Big Tech accountable for the platforms they profit from. Our kids’ safety must come before corporate convenience, and I will stand firmly for stronger online protections for families.
I support requiring major social media platforms to verify the ages of all users in order to protect Arkansas children. Too many young people are being exposed to harmful content, online predators, bullying, and addictive algorithms long before they are mature enough to navigate the digital world safely. Age verification is a reasonable and necessary step that holds Big Tech accountable for the platforms they profit from. Our kids’ safety must come before corporate convenience, and I will stand firmly for stronger online protections for families.
6. Gambling: Letting casinos in Arkansas conduct gambling online.
Truman Copeland (Republican)
Undecided
I understand the economic arguments for allowing casinos to operate online platforms, but I also have concerns about addiction, lack of oversight, and the ease of access for vulnerable individuals. I would need more information on safeguards, regulation, and long-term impact on Arkansas families before taking a firm position.
I understand the economic arguments for allowing casinos to operate online platforms, but I also have concerns about addiction, lack of oversight, and the ease of access for vulnerable individuals. I would need more information on safeguards, regulation, and long-term impact on Arkansas families before taking a firm position.
Jeff Pratt (Republican)
Support
I support allowing Arkansas casinos to offer regulated online gambling as a way to keep revenue, jobs, and economic growth here at home. Many Arkansans already gamble online through out-of-state platforms, sending millions of dollars elsewhere with no local benefit or oversight. By allowing our licensed casinos to operate online, we can create a safer, more accountable system that generates tax revenue for Arkansas communities while ensuring strong consumer protections. This approach strengthens our economy while keeping gaming activity within a regulated, responsible framework.
I support allowing Arkansas casinos to offer regulated online gambling as a way to keep revenue, jobs, and economic growth here at home. Many Arkansans already gamble online through out-of-state platforms, sending millions of dollars elsewhere with no local benefit or oversight. By allowing our licensed casinos to operate online, we can create a safer, more accountable system that generates tax revenue for Arkansas communities while ensuring strong consumer protections. This approach strengthens our economy while keeping gaming activity within a regulated, responsible framework.
7. Elections: Current ballot initiative efforts to change the Arkansas Constitution to make it easier for private individuals or entities to place measures on the ballot for a statewide vote.
Truman Copeland (Republican)
Support
I support preserving the people’s right to place measures on the statewide ballot. The Arkansas Constitution is built on the idea that power ultimately rests with the citizens, not the government, and the ballot-initiative process is an important safeguard to keep government accountable. At the same time, we must ensure that the process is not abused by out-of-state groups or special interests. I believe Arkansas voters should have a fair, accessible, and well-protected path to bring issues directly to the ballot.
I support preserving the people’s right to place measures on the statewide ballot. The Arkansas Constitution is built on the idea that power ultimately rests with the citizens, not the government, and the ballot-initiative process is an important safeguard to keep government accountable. At the same time, we must ensure that the process is not abused by out-of-state groups or special interests. I believe Arkansas voters should have a fair, accessible, and well-protected path to bring issues directly to the ballot.
Kyle Evatt (Republican)
Oppose
Our constitution should not be easily changed as it is our governing document. I am not opposed to a method to make amendments, but I believe that it should be a process.
Our constitution should not be easily changed as it is our governing document. I am not opposed to a method to make amendments, but I believe that it should be a process.
Jeff Pratt (Republican)
Oppose
I oppose current ballot-initiative efforts that would make it easier for private individuals or entities to amend the Arkansas Constitution. Our Constitution should not be swayed by well-funded special interests or out-of-state groups seeking to advance their own agendas. The existing process ensures that only measures with broad public support and careful consideration make it to the ballot. Weakening those safeguards risks turning our Constitution into a political battleground rather than a stable foundation for our state. I believe Arkansas deserves a deliberate, responsible amendment process that protects voters and preserves the integrity of our laws.
I oppose current ballot-initiative efforts that would make it easier for private individuals or entities to amend the Arkansas Constitution. Our Constitution should not be swayed by well-funded special interests or out-of-state groups seeking to advance their own agendas. The existing process ensures that only measures with broad public support and careful consideration make it to the ballot. Weakening those safeguards risks turning our Constitution into a political battleground rather than a stable foundation for our state. I believe Arkansas deserves a deliberate, responsible amendment process that protects voters and preserves the integrity of our laws.
8. Guns: Confiscation of firearms from citizens that the government deem a danger to themselves or others, otherwise known as red flag laws.
Truman Copeland (Republican)
Oppose
I oppose red flag laws because they allow the government to confiscate firearms without full due process. Any action that removes a constitutional right should require clear evidence, a criminal standard of proof, and full protections for the accused. Disarming law-abiding citizens based on accusation rather than conviction creates serious risk for abuse and government overreach. We should strengthen existing mental-health resources and ensure swift action against actual criminal threats, but not at the expense of the constitutional rights of Arkansas citizens.
I oppose red flag laws because they allow the government to confiscate firearms without full due process. Any action that removes a constitutional right should require clear evidence, a criminal standard of proof, and full protections for the accused. Disarming law-abiding citizens based on accusation rather than conviction creates serious risk for abuse and government overreach. We should strengthen existing mental-health resources and ensure swift action against actual criminal threats, but not at the expense of the constitutional rights of Arkansas citizens.
Jeff Pratt (Republican)
Undecided
I am an extremely strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms. At the same time, I recognize the concerns surrounding individuals who may pose a genuine danger to themselves or others. I am not committed to supporting or opposing so-called red flag laws at this time. I would be willing to review legislation that focuses narrowly on preventing violence, but only if it includes strict due-process protections, clear evidence standards, and strong safeguards against government overreach. I will not support any measure that could create a pathway to limit the rights of responsible gun owners. Before making a decision, I would need to see the exact wording to ensure it addresses real threats without infringing on our constitutional freedoms.
I am an extremely strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms. At the same time, I recognize the concerns surrounding individuals who may pose a genuine danger to themselves or others. I am not committed to supporting or opposing so-called red flag laws at this time. I would be willing to review legislation that focuses narrowly on preventing violence, but only if it includes strict due-process protections, clear evidence standards, and strong safeguards against government overreach. I will not support any measure that could create a pathway to limit the rights of responsible gun owners. Before making a decision, I would need to see the exact wording to ensure it addresses real threats without infringing on our constitutional freedoms.
9. Marriage: The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage.
Truman Copeland (Republican)
Oppose
I come to my convictions about marriage through the guidance of the Bible. For millennia, marriage has been understood as a religious institution, defined and protected by faith traditions rather than by government. Instead of redefining marriage through the legalization of same-sex marriage, I believe marriage should be recognized as a religiously protected act, separate from government authority and entrusted to religious institutions.
The government can still recognize a basic form of partnership through civil unions, granting all the legal rights and protections currently associated with marriage. In this model, marriage remains a sacred religious covenant, while civil unions provide equal civil rights for those seeking a legal partnership. Marriage itself would carry greater responsibility and higher expectations, including stronger protections and more restraint when it comes to divorce.
I come to my convictions about marriage through the guidance of the Bible. For millennia, marriage has been understood as a religious institution, defined and protected by faith traditions rather than by government. Instead of redefining marriage through the legalization of same-sex marriage, I believe marriage should be recognized as a religiously protected act, separate from government authority and entrusted to religious institutions.
The government can still recognize a basic form of partnership through civil unions, granting all the legal rights and protections currently associated with marriage. In this model, marriage remains a sacred religious covenant, while civil unions provide equal civil rights for those seeking a legal partnership. Marriage itself would carry greater responsibility and higher expectations, including stronger protections and more restraint when it comes to divorce.
Jeff Pratt (Republican)
Oppose
I oppose the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage. For me, this is fundamentally a moral and faith-based issue. I believe the institution of marriage is a sacred covenant designed to be between one man and one woman. While I do not oppose anyone’s right to form partnerships or live their lives as they choose, I also believe that my religious convictions deserve the same respect. Upholding traditional marriage is part of my deeply held values, and I believe states should have the authority to define marriage in a way that reflects the beliefs of their citizens.
I oppose the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage. For me, this is fundamentally a moral and faith-based issue. I believe the institution of marriage is a sacred covenant designed to be between one man and one woman. While I do not oppose anyone’s right to form partnerships or live their lives as they choose, I also believe that my religious convictions deserve the same respect. Upholding traditional marriage is part of my deeply held values, and I believe states should have the authority to define marriage in a way that reflects the beliefs of their citizens.