Linda Collins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Linda Collins
Member of the Arkansas Senate from the 19th district
In office January 12, 2015 – January 14, 2019
Preceded by	David Wyatt
Succeeded by	James Sturch
Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from the 80th district
In office January 10, 2011 – January 14, 2013
Preceded by	David Cook
Succeeded by	Charlene Fite
Personal details
Born	(1962-04-17)April 17, 1962 Pocahontas, Arkansas, U.S.
Died	May 28, 2019(2019-05-28) (aged 57) Pocahontas, Arkansas, U.S.
Political party	Republican (2011–2019)
Other political affiliations	Democratic (before 2011)
Spouse	Philip Smith (div. 2018)
Children	2
Profession	Hotelier

Linda F. Collins (born April 17, 1962 – died May 28, 2019) was an American businesswoman and politician. She was known as Linda Collins-Smith until her divorce. She served as a member of the Arkansas Senate from 2015 to 2019. Before that, she was in the Arkansas House of Representatives.

Early Life and Business Career

Linda Collins was born in Pocahontas, Arkansas. She grew up in the nearby town of Williford, Arkansas. Her family was not wealthy. They lived on a gravel road, and their home did not have running water until she was a teenager. This background taught her the importance of hard work. She believed that anyone, no matter their background, could achieve their goals through effort.

For many years, Collins owned and managed a Days Inn hotel in Pocahontas. She sold the hotel in 2016. Before becoming a hotel owner, she worked as a real estate agent.

Political Journey

Linda Collins was involved in many groups. She was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, which supports gun rights. She also belonged to groups like the Gun Owners of America and the Arkansas Hospitality Association, which helps hotels and restaurants. She was part of the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, a group that supports businesses. She also helped start the Randolph County Tourism Association.

Serving in the House

Before joining the Senate, Collins was a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives. She served one term from 2011 to 2013, representing District 80. When she was first elected, she was a Democrat. However, in August 2011, about eight months after taking office, she changed her political party to Republican.

Moving to the Senate

After her time in the House, Linda Collins decided to run for the Arkansas Senate. She ran for the 19th district seat. In 2012, she lost to the Democratic Senator David Wyatt. However, in the next election on November 4, 2014, she won the seat. She defeated another Democrat, James McLean.

Important Bills and Ideas

During her time in the Senate, Linda Collins worked on several important bills.

• Arkansas Physical Privacy and Safety Act: In 2017, she proposed a bill called the Arkansas Physical Privacy and Safety Act. This bill aimed to keep restrooms and changing rooms in government buildings separate based on a person's biological sex at birth. She said the bill would help protect privacy across the state. The bill did not pass.
• True Campus Carry Act: Also in 2017, Collins announced the True Campus Carry Act. This bill would have allowed people with special licenses to carry concealed firearms on college campuses without needing extra training.

2018 Election Challenge

Linda Collins often disagreed with Governor Asa Hutchinson. This was partly because of her proposed laws and her opposition to expanding Medicaid, a healthcare program. In May 2018, state representative James Sturch ran against her in the Republican primary election for the state senate. Governor Hutchinson supported Sturch. Collins lost the close election, getting 4,726 votes compared to Sturch's 5,299 votes.

Personal Life

Linda Collins was married to Philip Smith, who was a circuit court judge. They had two children and three grandchildren. She filed for divorce in November 2017.

Images for kids

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  Linda Collins