By Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt
We’re just days away from the flurry of bill requests at your state Capitol, as we’re quickly approaching a December deadline for letting staff know what bills we intend to file. Because of that deadline, our final fall Capitol Conversation will take place on Tuesday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m., room 535 at the state Capitol. Senate and House Democrats look forward to hearing from members of the public and your ideas about new and changed laws for the upcoming 2026 session.
Where do ideas for bills come from? Sometimes advocacy organizations may come to a legislator with an idea for a bill. We’ve seen news reporters do stories that bring attention to issues that can be addressed through legislation. Sometimes, we’re contacted by constituents about ideas they have for new laws or changing or removing laws already on the books.
For example, long before I came to the Senate, an ineffective tax credit program for venture capital was given a time limit, but a constituent pointed out the Legislature had failed to actually abolish the board itself. That meant the state was continuing to pay a management fee and those funds were still sitting there, unaccounted for. It took me a few years to get a bill heard and through the Legislature, but persistence paid off, and with bipartisan support, that bill became law last year in Senate Bill 300. That bill ended the unnecessary board, made sure those funds were moved to programs that work, and that there was full accountability for those resources.
Your ideas matter. Those things you talk about with your colleagues, coworkers, friends, and neighbors could help countless fellow Oklahomans. This Capitol Conversation on November 18 is the perfect opportunity for you to share those ideas. Attendees who wish to speak will have the microphone for up to three minutes to share their thoughts on legislation that can move our state forward.
We’re thrilled by how much attendance has continued to grow with each event, and while these are hosted by Senate and House Democrats, we have welcomed Oklahomans from across the political spectrum for thoughtful conversations about issues that impact all of us. If your schedule allows, I hope you’ll make plans to attend this upcoming Capitol Conversation on the legislative process for bills. Again, it’s this Tuesday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m. in room 535 of the state Capitol. We look forward to hearing from people from throughout the state. If you can’t attend in person, you are welcome to submit your ideas and views in writing. Just send an email to [email protected].
Your ideas are important, and the more input we have from you and Oklahomans around the state, the better we can represent your concerns here at the Capitol. We’re looking forward to hearing from you. Onward!
