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SR 23

TO HONOR JOHN PENDLETON REED FOR HIS EXEMPLARY AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE SENATE AND TO THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.

2026 Fiscal Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 34 co-sponsors

A ceremonial resolution honors John Pendleton Reed for 35+ years as the Senate public information officer, recognizing his service, expertise, and upcoming retirement.

Sine Die adjournment
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Bill Summary · SR 23

Summary of Senate Resolution 23 (SR 23), 2026 Session – Arkansas

Purpose and Intent

  • SR 23 is a Senate resolution honoring John Pendleton Reed for his exemplary and dedicated service to the Arkansas Senate and the State of Arkansas.
  • The resolution recognizes Reed’s long tenure, specifically noting his retirement on November 30, 2025, after more than 35 years of service.

Key Provisions and Provisions Overview

  • Formal Recognition: The resolution expresses commendation of John Pendleton Reed for his contributions as a public information officer (PIO) for the Senate.
  • Personal and Professional Background: The text provides a biographical overview, including Reed’s birthplace (Ypsilanti, Michigan), education (Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans; Yale University, BA in Literature), language skills (fluent in Spanish), career history (journalism roles at Pine Bluff Commercial and Arkansas Gazette; public information officer for the Arkansas Senate since August 1, 1990), and family life.
  • Institutional Impact: It underscores Reed’s institutional knowledge and the loyalty and dedication he brought to the Senate, highlighting his accuracy and professionalism as PIO and his long-standing service to both the Senate and Arkansans.
  • Retirement Acknowledgment: The resolution notes Reed’s retirement and his anticipated time to pursue hobbies and family life, while acknowledging the esteem in which he is held by staff and members.
  • Presentation of Resolution: It provides that, upon adoption, a copy of the resolution will be presented to Reed by the Secretary of the Senate.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Primary Beneficiary: John Pendleton Reed, in his capacity as a former Senate public information officer.
  • Broader Impact: The Arkansas Senate and its staff, by formal recognition of Reed’s service and contributions; the resolution serves as an official courtesy acknowledges Reed’s impact on Senate operations and public communications.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Status: SR 23 was filed on April 14, 2026, during the 2026 Fiscal Session of the 95th General Assembly.
  • Sponsorship: The resolution has a broad slate of sponsors and co-sponsors from both chambers’ members (list of senators provided), reflecting cross-chamber recognition.
  • Adoption Process: As a Senate resolution, it requires passage by the Senate. The action history notes filing and initial readings with rules suspension and placement on the calendar for consideration.

Notable Details

  • Reed’s biographical timeline includes:
    • Born October 14, 1954
    • Worked as a reporter and journalist prior to Senate employment
    • Joined the Arkansas Senate as Public Information Officer on August 1, 1990
    • Retired November 30, 2025
  • Personal interests mentioned: hosting/hobbies such as reading mystery novels, supporting the Atlanta Braves, New Orleans Saints, Arkansas Razorbacks, listening to music, and learning guitar.

Bottom Line

SR 23 is a ceremonial resolution that publicly honors and thanks John Pendleton Reed for more than three decades of service to Arkansas’s Senate and state government, recognizing his professional contributions, institutional knowledge, and dedication, and extending best wishes for his retirement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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