Social media, legislation and bringing the public inside

Abstract

The theme of the panel is how social media can bring the public into the legislative process in real time and the implications for governing. As legislators, staffers, lobbyists and the media increase their use of social media, policy debates can become public debates and/or events in real time. Social media's role in escalating the visibility of Texas State Senator Wendy Davis' filibuster at the end of a special session of the 2013 Texas legislative session provides real world examples of how social media can change the dynamics between audiences in ways that can affect policy and legislative outcomes. Additionally, the use of social media by nonprofit organizations and the Committees of the United States Congress provide real word examples of how social media can change the role of nonprofits and the Committees in the public policy dialogue and legislation.