In the latest installment of our Impression of Session series, Rep. Stetson Painter (R-Mountain Home) joined Conduit News to discuss the 2025 legislative session, his key policy achievements, leadership responsibilities, and his intent to seek re-election in Arkansas House District 3.
Painter, a veteran and active member of the Arkansas National Guard, sponsored a comprehensive military support package that increased scholarship opportunities, improved Guard member benefits, and expanded authority for the state to better utilize Guard personnel outside of natural disasters.
He also carried HB1561, the Research and Education Protection Act, which aimed to protect Arkansas’s universities from foreign influence and technology theft. The bill requires disclosure of foreign gifts and imposes stiffer penalties for intellectual property violations. Painter said Arkansas is leading on this issue, with other states looking to model their legislation after his.
But beyond policy, Painter played a central role in House leadership this session, serving as House Majority Whip—a position that required managing member relationships, counting votes, negotiating bill changes, and coordinating with House leadership, committee chairs, and even the Governor’s office.
“You’re not just counting votes,” Painter said. “You’re bridging gaps, helping members improve their legislation, and often playing mediator when tensions run high. Sometimes herding cats was easier.”
Despite the high-stakes pressure, Painter said he never lost a whip count—a point of pride for someone in such a high-stress, behind-the-scenes position. He described it as one of the most challenging and rewarding responsibilities he’s held, noting late-night calls, vote shuffles, and the balancing act of serving 80+ personalities with different priorities.
Painter also weighed in on legislation that failed to cross the finish line, including a bipartisan lobbying ban targeting China and Russia and a bill he sponsored that would have helped rural Arkansans replace lead pipes to comply with looming federal EPA mandates.
As the 2025 primary season ramps up, Painter confirmed he intends to run for re-election.
“Outside of being a dad, husband, and a born-again believer, serving in the legislature has been the greatest honor of my life,” he said. “If the people of District 3 want me back, I’ll keep fighting for them.”
Painter emphasized his continued role on the powerful Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC), where lawmakers monitor state agency spending and review rulemaking between sessions. He praised the committee’s oversight work, saying it ensures accountability and safeguards taxpayer dollars.
When asked about effective colleagues, Painter highlighted fellow freshman legislators from his region—Reps. Jeremy Wooldridge, Bart Schulz, Trey Steimel, and Chad Puryear—calling them “honest, effective, and consistent.”
Key topics from the interview:
🎙️ Intro & Session Overview
00:00:00 – 00:01:26
- Painter discusses overall thoughts on the 2025 legislative session
- Notes it was a productive session with a wide range of bills tackled
🪖 National Guard Package
00:01:26 – 00:04:25
- Painter breaks down legislation he carried to support the Arkansas National Guard
- Highlights included:
- $3M in scholarships
- Treating Guard like active duty for benefits
- Expanding Governor’s call-up authority beyond disasters
- Boosting morale and readiness
🔬 HB 1561: Research & Education Protection Act
00:04:25 – 00:06:48
- New law requires disclosure of foreign gifts to universities
- Targets IP theft and foreign tech espionage, especially from adversarial nations
- Arkansas leading the way—other states interested in replicating the law
🛑 Anti-China Lobbying Ban Falls Short
00:06:48 – 00:08:55
- Painter supported bipartisan bill by Sen. Johnson & Rep. McKenzie
- Targeted lobbying by Chinese & Russian interests
- Passed House easily but failed in Senate
⚖️ Judicial District Reclassification
00:08:55 – 00:09:53
- Painter carried HB1006
- Upgraded the 14th Judicial District from part-time to full-time prosecutor
- Aimed at better serving local communities
🧮 Role as House Majority Whip
00:09:53 – 00:14:20
- Describes the day-to-day reality of being Whip:
- Vote counts, negotiations, conflict resolution
- Challenges with member transparency
- High-stakes pressure from leadership and governor
- Never lost a whip count
🏛️ Surprises from Session
00:14:20 – 00:15:49
- Painter was surprised by the amount of local/city/county-level legislation
- Found new insights while serving on City, County & Local committee
📣 Constituent Concerns
00:15:49 – 00:17:13
- Rural voters want small government and local control
- Focused on education, spending, and veteran issues
- Constituents want to be left alone but represented well
🚰 Lead Pipe Replacement Bill (Failed)
00:17:13 – 00:18:56
- Painter ran a bill to help rural Arkansans comply with EPA mandates
- Would’ve allowed water districts to issue bonds for pipe replacement
- Failed in committee due to timing & federal uncertainty
🧾 Legislative Misconceptions
00:18:56 – 00:20:29
- Biggest myth: “We’re all rich”
- Legislature is a full-time responsibility
- Constant constituent service between sessions
🧑⚖️ ALC & Oversight
00:20:29 – 00:23:05
- Painter discusses the power of the Arkansas Legislative Council
- Approves contracts, rules, and monitors agency compliance
- Emphasizes oversight with Rep. Cavenaugh on Review subcommittee
🤝 Most Effective Legislators
00:23:05 – 00:24:21
- Painter praises Rep. Bart Schulz, Rep. Jeremy Wooldridge, Rep. Trey Steimel, and Rep. Chad Puryear
- Commends them for honesty, consistency, and collaboration
📣 Re-Election Plans
00:24:21 – 00:25:41
- Announces intention to seek re-election to House District 3
- Calls serving in the legislature “the highest honor of my life”
- Says he’s proud to work in the Capitol every day
🗳️ Looking Ahead to Primaries
00:25:41 – 00:26:44
- Discusses upcoming primary season
- Urges voters to do research and ask tough questions
- Encourages informed participation in 2026 races
