What is Legislative Testimony?
Testimony is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, express concern, or show support to members of the legislature on current bills being heard in committees. Testimony can be submitted in writing or presented in person to the committee. For a guide to Ohio’s committee system, click here. For a guide to Ohio’s legislative process, click here.
Why Should I Submit Testimony?
Lawmakers need to know what Ohioans believe about proposed bills and how their decisions impact our communities. Presenting testimony is the official way to express an opinion. Your thoughts are important to the decision-making process. You may share insight that legislators had not considered or offer alternative solutions. A large show of support or opposition may sway a lawmaker’s opinion on the subject.
However, submitting testimony is not the only way to be an effective advocate for an issue. Remember, nothing stops you from reaching out to legislators’ offices, including committee members and your lawmakers, to indicate an opinion even if there is not a committee hearing. You can find a guide on how to contact State Representatives and Senators here.
How Do I Write Testimony?
Testimony should be clear, concise, and tell a story presenting your view on an issue. Your message should be specifically tailored to the audience you are addressing in order to be the most effective. You might request that the committee passes the bill, that the bill passes after certain changes are made, or that the bill does not pass the committee. Irregardless of your ask, you should be specific and clear. In-person testimony is often limited to 5 minutes and can be limited further. For guidance, see the testimony template below.
When Do I Submit Testimony?
Typically, testimony is submitted for bills with a hearing in one of the standing legislative committees. Monitor the respective Ohio House or Ohio Senate committee pages to follow a bill’s progress and know when it is scheduled for a hearing. Hearings will be designated as sponsor, proponent (in favor of the bill), and/or opponent (against the bill). Once the committee notice indicates a hearing is scheduled, you may submit appropriate testimony.
In some cases, you may submit testimony more than once on the same topic or bill. If the bill gets the appropriate committee hearing in the other chamber, you may submit testimony. Further, every two years, the Ohio General Assembly resets with new members and any bills that did not pass must be reintroduced. If a reintroduced bill has an appropriate committee hearing, you may submit testimony. Some members of the committee are likely new legislators who have never heard or read your testimony before.
How Do I Submit Testimony?
Generally, for the Ohio House, you will email your written testimony to the Committee Chair at least 24 hours before the committee is scheduled to meet. If you want to present your testimony in person, you will also attach a witness slip to your email. On the Ohio Senate Website, you will navigate to the appropriate committee page and click on the date of the hearing. A button at the top of the page will prompt you to fill in your information and attach your testimony. Your written testimony will be published online as a public record.
How Do I Present Testimony In-Person?
If you decide to present your testimony in person during the committee hearing to be streamed live on the Ohio Channel, you should know what room the committee is meeting in and how to get there. Proper etiquette during the hearing is preferable.
The room can be found on the committee notice, which is published on the committee pages. A map of the Ohio Statehouse can be found here. Plan to arrive early to find parking and get through security.
During the hearing, the Chair announces each bill being heard. There is no set timeframe for committees, and sometimes committees with multiple bills or particularly contentious bills being heard can last for hours. You should be prepared to wait. The Chair will call your name when it is your turn to present your testimony at the podium. It is preferable to address the Chair before you speak. For example, if a member asks you a question, the proper response is, “Through the Chair, to the Representative/ Senator…” You can watch past committee hearings on the Ohio Channel for preparation.
Testimony Template
[YOUR FULL NAME ]
[TITLE/POSITION IF APPLICABLE]
[DATE ]
Testimony on BILL [#]
Chair [LAST NAME], Vice Chair [LAST NAME], Ranking Member [LAST NAME], and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to provide [PROPONENT/OPPONENT/ INTERESTED PARTY] testimony today on [HOUSE/SENATE] Bill [#]. My name is [FULL NAME/ ORGANIZATION] and I am [HERE BECAUSE (FOR EXAMPLE TITLE, POSITION, REASON FOR INTEREST, HOW WOULD THIS AFFECT YOU?)].
Provide context for why you are a PROPONENT/OPPONENT/ INTERESTED PARTY, how this would impact you or someone you care about, or other reasons you are giving testimony. 1-4 sentences.
Explain why you are an opponent or proponent. Try to be as brief as possible while thoroughly discussing the bill’s pros/ cons. This should be the bulk of your testimony.
If you are an opponent or interested party, offer a solution to improve the bill (ex. Remove language, add provisions, designate funding). 1-3 sentences
If you are a proponent of a bill with many opponents, consider addressing some counterarguments. In other words, explain why the opponents are wrong. 1-3 sentences
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide [PROPONENT/OPPONENT/ INTERESTED PARTY] testimony today. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
[FULL NAME]
[TITLE/POSITION IF APPLICABLE]
[PREFERRED CONTACT INFORMATION]
