{"id":37,"date":"2025-07-27T17:41:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T17:41:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tmmdev1.com\/bellcountytdw\/?page_id=37"},"modified":"2025-07-30T18:52:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T18:52:12","slug":"public-testimony-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tmmdev1.com\/bellcountytdw\/participate\/public-testimony-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Testimony Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#213E8C” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”30″ bottom_padding=”30″ bottom_margin=”30″ text_color=”light” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Public Testimony Guide<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Thank you to BCTDW member Solange Hommel for providing this information. Solange is the founder of The Liberty & Justice Lege Watch<\/a>, a weekly email that gives you regular updates on legislative happenings in the state of Texas (and relevant federal or local issues when appropriate), how those happenings will impact us, and specific actions you can take to engage with the political process.\u00a0Email Solange<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n

Sign up to receive a weekly update here: The Liberty & Justice Lege Watch<\/a>.<\/p>\n

CAN’T GO IN PERSON?<\/h3>\n

Click here to submit
\nWRITTEN TESTIMONY<\/a><\/p>\n

PRESENTING A UNITED FRONT<\/h3>\n

Invite others to join you. It is less intimidating to prepare for and give public testimony with friendly faces around.<\/p>\n

Dress in business or business casual attire, accenting with a color that represents your group or issue.<\/p>\n

Meet at the rotunda in the main building (see map below) at a predetermined time so your group can enter together. Be sure to allow enough time to walk from the parking structure and to sign in ahead of the committee meeting.<\/p>\n

Children are welcome at the Capitol! They can even give testimony. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and activities, as it could be a very long day.<\/p>\n

TO TESTIFY<\/h3>\n

Click here to create your public profile in advance<\/a>.
\nNOTE: All individuals entering these buildings are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth. More on health and safety protocols\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It is a good idea to bring 20 printed copies of your testimony. Your written version can include more details if you wish. You may leave them with the clerk of the committee.<\/p>\n

Upon arrival, use one of the touch screen kiosk stations located in the Capitol Extension (available on levels 1 and 2) to complete the 5-step registration process<\/a>.
\nBe sure to arrive on time. Public seating in the audience area of a hearing room will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, to the extent seats are available.<\/p>\n

Be prepared to wait. It is not unusual to wait all day, sometimes 12 hrs or more. Don\u2019t let them run out the clock on your rights. Bring water and snacks. There is a public cafeteria on level E1, but it may not be open the entire time you are there.<\/p>\n

Listen to the testimony given before you.<\/p>\n

When your name is called as a witness, you will go up to the committee panel or podium and provide your testimony.<\/p>\n

TIPS FOR STRONG TESTIMONY<\/h3>\n