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Testifying at the Texas Legislature

If you plan to testify at the hearing, below are some tips on how to make the process as smooth and effective as possible.

Write out your testimony and print out 20 copies. If you provide statistics, include citations in the written text. Practice and time yourself. You will only have 2 minutes to testify.

Try to be at the hearing an hour in advance to register, to get closer to the front of the line. Start your testimony by addressing the committee chair and members and identifying yourself and your position on the bill. For example: "Madam Chair, and members of the committee, my name is (NAME) from (BUSINESS NAME) in (CITY) and I'm here to testify in favor of (or in opposition to) SB XXX."

Be prepared for the committee members to ask you questions. When you hear a beep, warning you that you have one minute left, make your most important point and wrap up. At the second beep, finish your sentence and stop or ask the chair if you may finish.

Persons with disabilities or needing services such as interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, readers, large print or braille, are requested to contact the Senate Committee Coordinator at 463-0070 or TDD 475-3758 72 hours prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Provided by Texas Competes

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