Bob Davidson and Forest Thigpen: How an Idea Becomes Law

“That’s the last time I’m going to vote for a bill that I’m against!” shouted a 1970’s era Mississippi State Senator from the well of the Senate. In this episode, longtime bill drafter Bob Davidson shares this story and others.

You may think that Schoolhouse Rock taught you everything you need to know about how an idea becomes law, but the process is a lot more involved. Before his retirement, Bob Davidson served as Chief Counsel for the Mississippi Senate and Director of the Senate Legislative Services for over 40 years. The institutional knowledge he has and stories he can tell is truly remarkable. Forest Thigpen, Empower Senior Advisor, sat down with Davidson for a fascinating conversation. After which, Grant Callen ​​talked with Thigpen about the interview and the bill drafting process from a lobbyist’s perspective. Tune in to this episode for some colorful stories and a behind the scenes look at the real legislative process.