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Tips for Testimony at Bill Hearings

There are many ways to advocate for a bill. Whether you like writing letters, making phone calls, attending rallies, or meeting personally with your State Rep. or State Senator, there’s plenty of choices.  

Massachusetts is unique among state legislatures because every bill that gets filed receives a public hearing by a subject-matter-specific committee. Committees use the public hearings as part of their consideration of bills, and advocates work hard to demonstrate broad support or opposition in the hearing rooms. 

In a hearing, support or opposition can be delivered in writing or orally, either virtually or in person. You can testify as an individual, or on behalf of a larger group of people or an organization. On this page, you’ll find a few tips for how to know when your priority bill is getting a hearing, and how to navigate that process.   

When and Where is the Public Hearing? 

Information on all bills, committees, and legislative events can be found on the Massachusetts Legislature’s website. We have an explainer for how to navigate the site. 

Committees are required to post a public notice at least 72 hours in advance of a hearing, but typically hearing notices are posted with more lead time. Check the website frequently or set up a personalized alert through the MyLegislature feature on malegislature.gov.  

All public hearings take place in person in one of the State House’s several hearing rooms, with an option for virtual participation. The hearing notice will contain detailed information for the public to participate in either option. 

Signing Up 

If you plan to participation in the real-time hearing, either in person or virtually, use the instructions on the hearing notice to sign up as far in advance as possible. Most committees hear speakers in the order they sign up.  

Don’t worry if you didn’t sign up in advance: committee staff keep a sign-in sheet outside the hearing room for people who attend but didn’t sign up in advance, virtual sign-ups are allowed up until the hearing opens, and at the conclusion of all hearings, committee chairs will open a call for anyone who hasn’t signed up to speak.  

Written Testimony 

If you don’t want to, or are unable to testify in real time, you can always submit written testimony. Written testimony is an important part of the Committee’s hearing record. 

  • The hearing notice will contain instructions for how to submit written testimony.  
  • There is no length limit to written submissions but try to be succinct. Attachments are fine, but keep in mind that committee staff have to organize and review everything, so don’t bury them with voluminous materials that aren’t relevant to the issue! 
  • If you’re part of a group of advocates, consider a single letter with a group sign-on.  This tactic can more clearly demonstrate the volume of support and cuts down on paperwork for the committee staff.  
  • In your written testimony, make sure to include your name and contact information, any organizational affiliations, and a clear statement of which bills you are supporting or opposing, and why. 

Oral Testimony 

  • Be on time, whether you’re in person or virtual. Your bill isn’t the only one being heard, so prepare to wait for your turn. Most legislative hearings last at least 2 hours. 
  • Food is strictly not allowed in the hearing rooms. You can bring a water bottle, and there is café on the fourth floor of the State House. 
  • The Committee Chair will go over the guidelines for testimony. Typically, they will tell you that testimony is limited to 3 minutes, and they will advise you not to read from a written submission (they can read the written submission!) Panels are allowed, but make sure you ask Committee Staff for the rules on length of testimony. Some Chairs will cut you off mid-sentence, so make sure you rehearse and keep it short. 
  • Even though time is limited, you should take the time to introduce yourself, and your position. Be sure to clearly state which bill you’re testifying on!  
  • Address the Committee politely, using Honorifics such as “Chair Barber” and “Rep. Cataldo”.   
  • Most in-person hearings allow photography, but it’s at the discretion of the Chairs. Be sure to ask Committee staff when you get in the hearing room if you want to take picture.  
  • Otherwise, the floor is yours. Speak passionately and have fun!