If you feel strongly about a particular bill or issue it may be necessary to testify before a legislative committee. To do so, you must sign up at least one hour before the hearing begins. You can call Legislative Services at 800-492-7122 for the time and location of the hearing, or you can visit their website at http://mlis.state.md.us. To testify before your local government or Board of Education, call them for a calendar of meetings and meeting agendas.
Giving Testimony Protocol
- Identify yourself – name, legislative district, member if the MVMPCS school community, parent, etc.
- Know the bill number, sponsor(s) and what the bill says.
- Prepare written copies of your testimony. If you have additional information for the committee, attach it to your written testimony. For Senate hearings, prepare 25 copies. For the House hearings, prepare 40 copies of testimony. Call one of the committee chairs to find out the number of copies required for joint committee hearings.
- Keep your testimony brief (3 minutes or less), clear, and to the point. Many people testify about the same issue. Avoid repeating the testimony of others.
- Be prepared to answer some questions. Practice hoe you will answer questions with your family, friends or colleagues. If you do not know an answer be honest and tell them you will follow up with a written answer.
- Send a follow-up letters to remind the legislators of your testimony, restate your main points and thank them for considering your testimony. Be especially sure to thank any legislators who were supportive of your position.