Testify At the Texas Capitol
A guide to testifying at the the Capitol
Step By sTEP gUIDE
Testifying at
House & Senate Committee Hearings
Testifying at a committee hearing is one way to share your position on a bill directly with lawmakers. The process is different for House and Senate hearings, so review the instructions before you go.
Start HERE
Follow Bills
Find bills, committee hearings, hearing dates, & legislative updates on Texas Legislature Online.
Use Texas Legislature Online to:
Create a personal bill list
Track bills you care about
Set email alerts
Receive notices when bills are scheduled for committee hearings
Overview of
Texas legislature Online
Create a custom bill lists & set up email notifications.
Prepare
Before You Testify
After you find a bill you care about, the next step is to watch for when it is scheduled for a committee hearing. Committee hearings are where the public can share support, opposition, or concerns about a bill.
Review Committee Instructions
Review the instructions for the chamber where your bill will be heard.
Find Your Bill
& Hearing Information
- Bill number, such as HB 123 or SB 123
- Committee hearing the bill
- Hearing date
- Hearing time
- Hearing location
Prepare Your
Testimony
Most testimonies are limited to 2 or 3 minutes, so keep your remarks brief and focused.
- Write your testimony in advance
- Practice speaking conversationally
- Focus on how the bill affects you, your community, or your organization
- Use personal stories and local examples when possible
Bring Printed
Copies
Bring printed copies of your written testimony to share with the committee clerk and committee members.
Senate: Bring at least 20 copies
House: Copies are optional but recommended. Bring at least 20 copies
House Only: Create a Witness Registration Account
If you are testifying before a House committee, create a House Witness Registration account before arriving at the Capitol. The House system allows you to:
- Register to testify
- Submit written testimony
- Register your position on a bill
Day of
Testifying at the Capitol
Plan to arrive at least one hour before the hearing begins.
Register
to Testify
Registration procedures differ slightly between the House and Senate.
Texas Senate
Most Senate committees use touch-screen kiosks outside the hearing room. Some committees may use paper witness cards.
When registering, you will:
- Select the bill number
- Indicate whether you are for, against, neutral, or resource only
- State whether you represent yourself or an organization
Texas House
Use your phone, tablet, or computer to access the House Witness Link and sign in to your witness account.
Important:
- The House Witness Link only works while connected to Public-Capitol WiFi
- You may also register using Capitol kiosks
- You may register for oral testimony, submit written testimony, or register your position on a bill
Submit Written testimony:
- Electronically
- Hand-delivered to the committee clerk.
During
the Hearing
Remain in or near the hearing room and listen for your name or group to be called.
When called:
- Go to the podium or witness table
- State your name
- State who you represent, if applicable
- State whether you support or oppose the bill
- Briefly explain your position
Sample opening:
“Madame Chair/Mr. Chairman and members, my name is [Your Name], and I am here representing [Yourself/Organization] in support of/opposition to this bill.”
Testimony Tips
- Focus on your most important points due to time limits.
- Personal experiences and community impacts can be very persuasive.
- Be respectful and professional when answering questions.
- If you do not know the answer to a question, it is acceptable to say:
“I don’t know, but I will find out and get back to you.” - You may only testify on the bill currently being heard by the committee.
- House committee testimony may later be viewed through Video Broadcasts on Texas Legislature Online.
Parking at the Capitol
Free Parking
Street parking maybe available, but parking can be limited during the Legislative Session, so plan ahead.
Paid Parking -1201 San Jacinto (Shown on Map)
Parking is available east of the Capitol at the Capitol Visitor Parking Garage located at 1201 San Jacinto.
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