Tara Shephard is a Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, representing District 79 . A 7th-generation Arkansan from a family of sharecroppers, steel, and factory workers, she was elected in November 2022 and assumed office on January 9, 2023, currently serving her second term . Her father, a veteran of Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan, inspired her commitment to public service, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Notable achievements include sponsoring and passing the Naloxone Bill for opioid addiction prevention, advocating for free school breakfasts, protecting postpartum healthcare, and supporting veterans. She serves on the House Public Transportation Committee, House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee , and the Joint Budget Committee.

Education and Political Experience

Education: She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master's degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Political Experience: First term in the House began in 2023; re-elected for 2025. Previously served on the Little Rock School District Board . Professional background includes teacher, substance abuse counselor, Correctional Auditor and Compliance Manager, manager at the Arkansas Juvenile Assessment and Treatment Center, auditor for the American Correctional Association, suicide-prevention trainer, and youth program consultant in juvenile justice, education, substance abuse, and social justice.