Policy Matters: Better laws in Oklahoma begin with better listening

In Oklahoma, public participation in lawmaking is often treated as a special event rather than a function of democracy . Each fall, when the Legislature shifts into “interim study” season, lawmakers invite experts — and sometimes citizens — to discuss issues that need deeper exploration. In theory, it’s meant to be a reflective pause in the legislative process. In practice, it can lack genuine dialogue about what’s working and what isn’t.

Without careful planning, these studies can feel like formality rather than an open conversation. The sponsoring lawmaker typically decides who testifies and how the agenda unfolds — narrowing the scope before discussion even begins.

What is the goal of a meeting that shares information or a viewpoint but stops short of genuine dialogue? When struct