Tyler Dees - Arkansas State Senator

Tyler Dees is an American Republican politician representing District 35 in the Arkansas State Senate, which includes the western part of Benton and Washington Counties in Northwest Arkansas. He was elected to the Senate in 2022 and sworn in on January 9, 2023.

Dees is a businessperson serving as Director of Business Development for Simmons Foods. Beyond his legislative role, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County and previously served as chair of the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2020.

Education

Dees attended John Brown University, where he played basketball for the Golden Eagles. He earned an undergraduate degree in Business Management, a Master of Science in Leadership and Ethics, and an MBA. He also played basketball in high school at Siloam Springs.

Political Experience

Dees currently serves as vice chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Senate Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs Committee, the Joint Performance Review Committee, the Joint Budget Committee, the Arkansas Legislative Council, and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. He also holds the position of Assistant President Pro Tempore-Third District as of 2025.

During the 2025 legislative session, Dees sponsored Act 122 of 2025 , which bans cell phones and other digital electronics during the school day. He also sponsored Acts 900 and 901, which strengthen the Social Media Safety Act and create a right of action against social media platforms. In 2023, he sponsored legislation addressing industrial hemp regulations, absentee ballot drop boxes, and the Protection of Minors Distribution of Harmful Material Act.