Providing Written Online Comments

Online comments are a way to have your position on a legislative bill be part of the record without having to attend a public hearing. This may be a good option if you:

• Are not interested in public speaking
• Cannot attend the public hearing at the Capitol to testify in person
• Want to make an impact

Online comments must be submitted through the Legislature’s website. Comments can be up to 500 words in length and are due by 8 a.m. the morning of the bill’s scheduled hearing.

When leaving an online comment, you will be asked to provide basic personal information, such as your first and last name, address, legislative district, and email address. After submitting your comment, an email verification will be sent to the email address you provided. You must verify your email address by 8 a.m. the day of the legislative bill hearing for your comment to become part of the Legislative Record.

After a bill hearing is completed, the committee chair will announce how many online comments were submitted as proponents (in support), opponents, and neutrals.

Your first and last name, as well as the position you took, will be made public through the Legislature’s website once the legislative bill has advanced out of committee. Senators and their staff will be able to read your comment and may quote it when debating that legislative bill on the floor of the legislature.

Tips for Writing Comments

• Focus on the main points you want decision-makers to remember.
• You do not have to share your full story for your testimony to be meaningful.
• Share what feels most relevant to the legislative bill and your perspective.
• Personal experience is an option, but not the only way to communicate your position.
• Keep the language clear and easy to read.
• Avoid criticizing any particular senator or bringing up other bills. Focus only on the proposed legislative bill and its potential impact.
• Take care of yourself. Writing and sharing testimony can bring up strong emotions. Pay attention to how you are feeling as you are writing. You can take breaks or step away at any time. If something feels too difficult to share, you can choose not to include it. You can come back to parts of your story at another time.

How To Submit An Online Comment

1. Search for the legislative bill on the Legislature’s website.
2. Fill out your personal information including name, address, email, and legislative district you live in.
3. Indicate your position: proponent (in-support), opponent, or neutral.
4. Check the box indicating you would like your comment to be a part of the record.
5. Use as many of the 500 words as you want. You can simply state that you are in support/opposition to a legislative bill, or provide a detailed justification of your position.
6. You must verify your email address before 8 a.m. on the day of the legislative bill’s hearing.
7. A verification email will be sent right after you press submit. It is best to verify immediately so you do not forget.
8. Check your spam/junk folder if you cannot find your verification email.
9. If you still cannot find the verification email, contact the Clerk’s office.