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 chair 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 chair and members of the committee. For example, “Mr. (or Madam) 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 from the legislators. When responding to questions, remember to address the chair and members of the committee, not just the member who asks the question. For example, “Mr. (or Madam) chairman (or chairwoman) and members of the committee, I would answer by saying…”
- If the testimony is lengthy, it’s recommended you quickly summarize the material to allow for other speakers to be heard.
- 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