Legislature Allows Residents To Testify Remotely
Because of social distancing concerns, Montana residents can testify about bills in an easier way than normal this session.
Part of the Montana Legislature’s website, https://www.leg.mt.gov/ session/have-your-say/, gives people the opportunity to testify remotely.
According to the page’s guidelines, you will be able to select from bills that are currently scheduled for hearing during the next three days. You will be able to submit your written testimony by noon the day before the bill’s hearing. You can write a brief message or request a Zoom link to testify in the hearing.
After you fill out the form with pertinent details and submit the information, you will receive an email confirmation. You do not have to testify in order to submit written comments. Your written comments received by the deadline will be distributed to all committee members. Written testimony that is submitted after the deadline or during the hearing will be only included in the minutes.
If you wish to be part of the Zoom part of the hearing, the presiding officer will call on you when it is your turn to speak. Follow Zoom’s directions and raise your hand to let the remote committee coordinator know when you wish to speak. There might be limits placed on how many people are allowed to testify remotely on each bill.
As in past years, people can still send messages to their legislators through the legislature’s website or send a phone message by calling 406-444-4800. All committee hearings will have live streams.
