Episode Summary:

In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox sits down with Jerry Cox, President of Family Council, to discuss the key legislative priorities this session that impact faith, family, and freedom in Arkansas.

Topics covered include:

• $2 Million for Pregnancy Help Organization Grants – How this funding supports life-affirming resources and the likelihood of passage.
• HB1139 – The Released Time Education Act – What this bill means for religious instruction in schools and why it matters for parental rights.
• The LEARNS Act & Homeschooling – The impact of Arkansas' education reform on homeschool families.
• Abortion Amendment Update – Why the previous ballot initiative failed and how pro-life Christians should prepare for future challenges.
• Strengthening Pro-Life Laws – What legal clarifications are needed to protect Arkansas’ strong pro-life stance.
• Religious Freedom Bill – How this legislation reinforces protections for students and teachers in schools.
• H.B. 1221 & H.B. 1222 – Initiative Law Clarification – How these bills help prevent unconstitutional or misleading measures from reaching the ballot.

Join us for this insightful conversation as we break down the policies shaping Arkansas and discuss how conservatives can take action to protect our values.

Guests:

1. Jerry Cox: Jerry is the founder and president of Family Council. He began the Family Council in 1989 after a successful effort to amend the Arkansas Constitution to prevent the use of public funds for abortions. He is the founder of the Education Alliance, the Arkansas Physician’s Resource Council, and the Arkansas Justice Institute. In 2004 he spearheaded a successful effort to amend the Arkansas Constitution to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In 2008 Jerry led a successful effort to pass the Arkansas Adoption and Foster Care Act. Between fundraising, public speaking, leading the staff, lobbying, and writing, Jerry maintains an active role in ensuring that Family Council continues to serve the people of Arkansas as it has for more than 30 years. He and his wife reside in Little Rock. They have four sons.

In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, we’re joined by Arkansas 1st Contributor and advocate Missy Bosch for an in-depth discussion on the most pressing legislative issues and systemic challenges facing Arkansas families. Missy breaks down key bills moving through the General Assembly, including HB1168 (criminal immunity for healthcare professionals), HB1028 (obscenity and library policies), HB1062 (Teacher and Student Protection Act), HB1051 (school start date requirements), and SJR1 (public records access). Along the way, she sheds light on her powerful article System of Silence, which exposes how some Arkansas schools are failing to protect students and silencing victims. This episode is packed with thought-provoking analysis, personal stories, and actionable insights to help Arkansans stay informed and engaged. Tune in and join the conversation about protecting our families, schools, and freedoms.

Missy Bosch: Missy is an Arkansas 1st News Contributor. She is the author of “Crushed, but Not Broken”, a story detailing her daughter’s diagnosis and her family’s fight with CNS HLH. She has a passion to improve education and help children with disabilities receive the education and respect they deserve. Missy and her husband are AF veterans and have 4 children.

Episode Summary:

In this inaugural episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, we bring you an engaging lineup of voices shaping Arkansas' pro-life advocacy and legislative landscape. Rose Mimms from Arkansas Right to Life joins us to discuss this weekend’s Walk for Life and key legislative priorities for the pro-life movement. Clint Lancaster shares insights from his latest column, "Kitty Barf," and explores the implications of HB1141. Jimmie Cavin provides a breakdown of the General Assembly’s opening week and discusses SB12, while Mike Shnaekel, Legislative Liaison for Arkansas 1st News, offers his perspective on the first week of the legislative session. Tune in for an informative and inspiring look at the issues that matter most to Arkansans.

Guests:

1. Rose Mimms: Executive Director at Arkansas Right To Life

2. Clint Lancaster: Attorney, Patriot, Served in the US Marines, Sued Hunter Biden for Child Support, Represented President Trump in the 2020 Wisconsin election challenge, General Counsel for Arkansas 1st, Contributor for Arkansas 1st News - Kitty Barf

3, Jimmie Cavin: Professional Bully Fighter, Investigate and Report on Issues around the State of Arkansas with an emphasis on Government, Facts Not Fiction, Contributor to Arkansas 1st News

4. Mike Shnaekel: Served in the U.S. Marine, Retired from the U.S. Army, Mechanical Engineer, Pilot, Legislative Liaison for Arkansas 1st Reports