Bill Filed to Block TikTok Access on State Phones, Computers

Legislature, ,

On Monday Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R — Branch) and Rep. Mary Bentley (R — Perryville) filed S.B. 4 to restrict access to TikTok on computers, tablets, phones, and other devices owned by the State of Arkansas.

TikTok is the most popular social media platform in the world. The application boasts a billion users worldwide, and 135 million in the U.S., but many Americans are bothered by the application’s possible ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

The Chinese company ByteDance owns TikTok. Last week FBI Director Christopher Wray voiced concerns about the CCP’s ability to influence ByteDance and TikTok.

The concerns are similar to those raised about Facebook’s and Twitter’s abilities to harvest user data and display or suppress information in their news feeds.

If the Chinese Communist Party can influence TikTok, the CCP may be able to manipulate content and influence users on the world’s largest social media platform.

S.B. 4 prohibits state employees and contractors from downloading or using the TikTok application on a device that is owned or leased by the State of Arkansas.

The bill does not ban TikTok for every Arkansan, but it does prevent government employees and contractors — such as public school teachers or people who work for government agencies — from using TikTok on phones or computers that belong to the State of Arkansas.

You can read S.B. 4 here.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Pastors’ Day at the Capitol is February 7, 2023

Arkansas Pastors Network,

Imagine the echo of worship—the prayers of godly men and women—the Gospel openly proclaimed in Arkansas’ most prominent place—the State Capitol Building!

Ministers, church leaders, and their families can be salt and light by joining together from all over Arkansas in the State Capitol Rotunda from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on February 7, 2023, for Pastors’ Day at the Capitol.

This nonpartisan event will focus on worshiping God, praying for our leaders, ministering to those in authority, fostering better relationships between ministers and legislators, practicing responsible citizenship, and learning how congregations can do the same. 

This is an opportunity for church leaders to:

  • Be encouraged, empowered, inspired, and informed. 
  • Be a witness for Jesus Christ through prayer, praise, and worship in the Capitol Rotunda.
  • Fellowship with like-minded pastors from all over Arkansas over a light breakfast and lunch.
  • See lawmakers debate bills and pass laws, and learn how the legislative process really works.
  • Tour the State Capitol Building.
  • Learn how churches can fulfill the biblical mandate to pray for those in authority.
  • Get to know some of Arkansas’ leading policy makers.
  • Meet state legislators, and other high-ranking state officials.

To register go to:  https://Pastors-Day-at-the-Capitol-2023.eventbrite.com 

If you have any questions, please contact Charisse Dean at charisse@familycouncil.org or call 501-375-7000.

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Group Promotes DIY Abortions in Arkansas

Abortion, , ,

Despite Roe v. Wade being overturned and Arkansas law prohibiting doctors from performing abortions except to save the life of the mother, the Arkansas Abortion Support Network’s website offers information on “self-managed” (i.e. do-it-yourself) abortions via abortion-inducing drugs.

The website states,

Self Managed Abortion (SMA) is an important component of the abortion access landscape. For those who prefer to manage their healthcare outside of the traditional clinic setting, or who are unable to access clinical abortion, there are options and information about managing your own abortion with pills at home.

The website goes on to list different ways to learn more about obtaining abortion-inducing drugs online.

In recent months, outlets like Plan C and groups like ReproAction have ramped up their efforts to tell women how to buy and use abortion-inducing drugs. However, it is important to point out that is illegal to mail or deliver abortion drugs in Arkansas.

In 2021 the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 562 Rep. Sonia Barker (R – Smackover) and Sen. Blake Johnson (R – Corning).

This good law made important updates Arkansas’ restrictions on abortion-inducing drugs like RU-486.

Among other things, Act 562 prohibits abortion drugs from being delivered “via courier, delivery, or mail service” in Arkansas.

Abortion-inducing drugs take the life of an unborn child. They also carry significant health risks for women — including risk of sepsis and death.

That is part of the reason why — prior to the Dobbs ruling last summer — Arkansas law required them to be administered by a physician following a physical examination.

Delivering abortion drugs by mail violates state law, and it puts women and unborn children at risk. There simply is no good reason to promote DIY abortions in Arkansas.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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