I have learned that the term is more generally understood to describe anyone presenting an informed opinion on an issue, with the view toward achieving a desired end. Here's what I have learned so far. It has been easier for me to track the work of one committee than to get a handle on too many issues at once. Even in that limited context it's hard to keep up. Often the Crime Prevention Committees are considering matters that relate to other issues such as budgets and taxes, but these issues are secondary for me and are easier to grasp because of my focus.
Legislators are often dedicated and conscientious.
I have been surprised at how much written material they must absorb in order to participate in discussions about bills, and equally surprised by how much time they give to both committee work and floor sessions. In addition, some are veterans, who have a wealth of data in their heads that often changes the course of the conversations. The bill referred to above is only one of several I have seen treated with the same care. Such care has usually resulted in a unanimous bipartisan recommendation to pass the bill along. Moreover, I've been surprised by challenges to my own thinking.