• The amended substitute bill PASSED the HOUSE on February 8th: Yeas, 52; Nays, 45; Absent, 0; Excused, 1.
• The bill had a hearing and passed out of the Senate State Government & Elections Committee, but did not make it out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
• Permits cities and towns to choose to hold their elections in even numbered years instead of odd-numbered years.
Agendas, Schedules, and Calendars
Legislator & Staff Information
Committee & Bill Information
How to Create and Send a Comment on a Bill:
Submitting Written Testimony
Participating Remotely in Committee Hearings:
How to Register to Testify Remotely
Additional Information About Testifying
Check The Schedule
Check the legislative website to know when a bill is scheduled to be heard. Be advised, schedules can change quickly, especially in the final days of a legislative session. You can also contact the legislative staff of the bill's prime sponsor to get an idea of when the bill might be heard in committee for public comment.
Know the Process and Players
Before testifying, know who is sponsoring the bill, who supports or opposes the bill and why. Be familiar with the committee chairs, committee members, and legislative staff. You may also let the sponsor of the bill or key legislators know beforehand you are testifying on the bill, especially if you are representing a group or organization. They may have specific points they want you to focus on.
Know the Purpose of Your Testimony
Understand why you are testifying. Are you there to persuade, dissuade, provide expertise, or delay action on a bill? Know how to separate out the important points of your testimony to ensure they are heard. Personal stories are a good way to illustrate your testimony and can make the biggest impact on committee members.
Essential Components of Your Testimony
Voting
Build Strategic Coalitions with "Likely Voters"
Legislator Meetings
Do Your Research
Schedule Your Meeting
Be Polite, Professional and On Time
Introduce Yourself as a Constituent Who Votes
Making Your Ask & Providing Materials
Other Important Tips and Follow Up