How to testify
In person
1.Check the schedule of upcoming hearings on the Texas Legislature’s website. (Full instructions are available online, too.)
2. Click on the “committee meetings” under either the House or the Senate – depending on where your bill of interest is – to find details about when it will be discussed, and if they’re taking public testimony. Other details, such as how to access the hearing room, are also available online.
3. On the day of the hearing, register using the Capitol wifi either by going to a website
- Senate: https://swrs.senate.texas.gov/
- House: https://hwrs.house.texas.gov/
These links only work when you are on the Capitol wifi.
Or find a touchscreen kiosk in the Capital extension and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. The public may register a position and provide written or oral testimony. Written testimony is simply provided to the clerk and distributed to the members of the committee (please bring 20 copies). Oral testimony is only two minutes long, which is about one page (you will want to time yourself in advance to make sure you don't go over, as they will likely cut you off after two minutes in order to fit in all the registered witnesses).
- Testimony should start with your name, where you’re from (if your representative is on the committee, be sure to let them know you are a constituent) and your position on the bill.
- You also want to tell your story - why is this issue important to you? How does it affect your family? Personalize it!
- When your name is called, you are welcome to bring written testimony or notes to the table or podium and read from your prepared remarks.
- The Chair typically will call oral witnesses in the order in which they are registered (written testimony can be provided to the clerk at any time), so the sooner you can register to testify, the better. This is not always a guarantee. Controversial issues can have hearings that last all day. Please plan accordingly.
While you are at the Capitol, please make an effort to visit the office of your legislators as well. You can find their names and office locations at Texas Legislature Online.
Electronically submitted comments
Texas residents who wish to electronically submit comments related to agenda items without testifying in person can do so until a hearing is adjourned by visiting the comments page for the Texas House (it is not possible to submit comments electronically to the Senate). You will need to provide the bill number on which you are registering your comments.
Most hearings are broadcast live.
Being an advocate from home
There's other ways to help your legislator know your concerns. Check out our page on being an advocate from home!