How to Make Your Views Known at the Texas Capitol

Contacting Your Legislator

Legislators welcome input through:

• In-person visits
• Joining meetings (in-person or virtual)
• Inviting them to a community group meeting
• Calling their office (calls are more effective than emails)
• Testifying at committee hearings
• Attending town hall meetings

How to Testify at a Legislative Committee

Before the Hearing:

• Track bills and hearings on www.capitol.state.tx.us.
• Check if public testimony is allowed (some hearings are by invitation only).
• Practice your 2-3 minute testimony.

Getting to the Capitol:

• Arrive early to find the committee room.
• Parking can be difficult; options include visitor parking, metered spots, or public transport.
• Security lines can be long, so allow extra time.
• Use Capitol maps to find the committee room.

Registering to Testify:

• House: Register at kiosks.
• Senate: Fill out witness cards at the hearing.
• If you don’t testify but want your position known, register at the kiosk.

Testifying:

• Be respectful and truthful.
• Be concise (you have 2-3 minutes).
• Share how the legislation affects you personally.
• Bring copies of written testimony (check committee requirements).
• Avoid repeating others’ points.
• Follow up with an email to committee members.