As intimidating as it sounds, “testifying” in this sense is simply giving public comment to a legislative body – and it’s actually pretty empowering when you are passionate about an issue. When you testify, you are formally presenting your views, experiences, or expert knowledge on a specific issue. This process can help contribute to the public debate and influence policymakers.

Depending on the bill to be heard, there can be anywhere from zero to several hundred people signed up to testify. Those present at the capitol will be given preference over those signed up online when it comes to time constraints. Some hearings will be capped at a certain number of hours or set to end at a specified time. You will be testifying in front of committees made up of anywhere from 5 – 11 legislators. When they call people up to testify, they are typically called in panels of 3 or 4 people, alternating support and opposition on each panel. Each bill must pass through committee hearings in both the House and Senate before it can become law, allowing you to testify at both hearings.

With long hearings, you can arrive late if needed or leave during the hearing, although you may miss your opportunity to speak if you pre-registered. You can also sign up when you get there, but expect to be called near the end if that is the case. Before public testimony ends, the committee chair will typically ask if anyone who wanted to testify was not called. If your name was missed, you can raise your hand at that point and proceed with your testimony.

Be aware that other bills might be heard before the one you’re interested in, potentially extending the duration of the hearing.

This montage put together by Rally for our Rights is a great snapshot of what your day will look like.

If you have relevant data or information that directly pertains to your testimony, you can bring handouts for the committee. Inform them when you are called, and the Sergeant at Arms will distribute the documents. Please note that you will not get your handouts back, so bring enough for each committee member.

If the bill you are testifying on passes the committee hearing, that does NOT mean it is law. It must go through a minimum of 6 hearings before it would end up in front of the Governor to sign. If it passes committee, it will often move to “appropriations” where it will be evaluated for its fiscal impact on the state budget, then it will move to second and third reading in the respective chamber it passed out of committee. Each of these readings will include a vote of the full chamber. Once a bill has passed at least 3 hearings in both the House and Senate, it would then be up to the Governor to sign or veto. If the Governor chooses to not sign a bill, but not veto it either, it will automatically become law after 30 days.

Alternatively, if the bill does not pass that committee, it is done for that year. This is called “postponing a bill indefinitely” during the committee hearing.  

While virtual testimony is accepted, in-person testimony is prioritized, especially for bills with significant public interest. This means virtual testimony will often be taken toward the end of the hearing. You can also submit written testimony, although it will not be read aloud but it will become part of the public record.

Every bill introduced must be scheduled for a committee hearing, even if the intention is to “kill the bill”, giving the public an opportunity to testify and provide public comment. For a bill to become law, it must have at least two committee hearings, one in the House and one in the Senate. You can participate in both.

The Capitol is open to the public. Feel free to walk around and check it out while you are there. They require all visitors to pass through security. Weapons are strictly prohibited inside the Capitol building. Snacks and drinks are allowed inside, but typically prohibited in committee rooms. There is a small food shop, dining tables, and restrooms in the basement.

If you are registered to attend, but cannot make it, you do not need to do anything. You will simply be skipped when called. 

Bring friends, a phone charger, water and snacks.

No, you do not need a clear bag but expect to have your bag searched upon entry. Electronics are allowed and you can take pictures and video.