The legislative process is about policy decisions.

What should be encouraged or required?  Or prohibited?  If so, what is the appropriate penalty?

The legislative process is also about relationships and courtesies.

Your opponent today could be your ally tomorrow.

If you do unto others, they will remember and do unto you.

I have introduced House Bill 1271, which would protect a person’s interest in the commercial value of his or her identity.  It is related to, but not the same as, intellectual property rights, such as copyright and trademark.  This legislation would protect public figures, as well as an unknown whose face was used in an ad campaign.

The bill hearing is Wednesday.  Today, we had a conference call with lawyers and lobbyists.  Some helped me draft the bill.  Others opposed it as introduced but could support it if certain amendments are adopted.  Another opposes it in any form.

The conversation narrowed our differences, but more needs to be resolved.

Soon afterwards, I spoke to someone about another bill.  I suggested that he let the lead sponsor know before the public hearing about the amendments he will propose when he testifies.

Then one of the conference call participants called to clarify his client’s position.  “I don’t want you to be caught by surprise,” he said.

It’s more than a smile and a shoeshine.

It’s simple courtesies.