How to Testify on a Bill
During the legislative Session, the Senate committee meeting schedule and the House committee meeting schedule are set. However, due to the rapid pace of the legislative session, the meeting schedule and agendas frequently change.
Tips for Testifying
- All legislative meetings are open to the public, and citizens are welcome to attend, even if they do not desire to speak. The chairman who is presiding over the meeting will determine what time limits, if any, are imposed on public testimony. Remarks should be brief and to the point.
- Be prepared to speak from the podium. State your name. Please address the chairman and members of the committee. For example, “Mr. Chairman and members of the committee…”
- Be aware that sometimes the patron of a bill may offer amendments to the bill. Amendments could possibly change your opinion of the bill and affect your remarks.
- Be prepared to adapt your remarks to avoid making the same point made by previous speakers.
- Be prepared to answer questions that the legislators might have. When responding to questions, remember to address the chairman and the members of the committee, not just the member who asks the question. For example, “Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I would answer by saying…”
- It is recommended that you have written copies of your testimony to accompany your oral remarks. Please have at least 30 copies of your remarks available for distribution to the members of the committee and the staff. If the testimony is lengthy, it is recommended that you quickly summarize the material in order that other speakers might be heard. Remember, the committee will also accept written testimony in lieu of an oral presentation.
- Outbursts and remarks from the audience are prohibited. No audible devices are allowed in the committee rooms.
- Please do not be offended if some legislators rise and leave the committee room. They have many commitments, including making presentations before other committees.
- If you are unable to attend a committee meeting or public hearing, you can express your opinion via email. Please send your correspondence to committee staff (Committeeoperations@senate.virginia.gov and/or CommitteeOps@house.virginia.gov). Please take care to ensure the information arrives before the hearing so the committee clerk can provide your correspondence to the committee members before they vote.
- Requests for interpreters should be received seven days before the meeting. For interpreter services or further information, please call or email the respective offices listed below:
Senate Committee Operations
Voice: (804) 698-7450
TDD: 1-866-786-2369
Committeeoperations@senate.virginia.gov
House Committee Operations
Voice: (804) 698-1540
TDD: 1-866-267-1474
CommitteeOps@house.virginia.gov