Testifying Remotely in Washington State

Instructions on how to connect to the meeting if testifying remotely: Instructions

Instructions on how to create your Legislative Account and edit your profile: Instructions

How to Register to Testify in a Committee Hearing

https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi

1. Select the committee name and meeting date and time, then select the bill for which you would like to testify.
2. Testimony registration will close 1 hour before the start time of the hearing. Anyone who does not register before this deadline will be unable to testify before the committee.
3. To testify in person: Select “I would like to testify in person during the hearing.” Ensure your registration information is accurate. After submitting your registration, it may not be possible to make changes. It will be a part of the legislative record and used by TVW for online and television graphics.
   1. Note: Despite registering to testify in person, you will automatically be sent a Zoom link for the meeting. Please plan to testify in person as you indicated upon registering, but you may use the link as a backup if your plans change.
4. To testify remotely: Select “I would like to testify remotely.” Ensure your registration information is accurate. After submitting your registration, it may not be possible to make changes. It will be a part of the legislative record and used by TVW for online and television graphics.

Additional Information about Testifying

• Registration opens when a bill is scheduled for public hearing. Registration closes one hour before the meeting is scheduled to begin.
• Every registrant will automatically receive a Zoom link to the meeting. Each link is unique to the registrant. Registrants are prohibited from sharing links.
  • Those who signed up to testify in person should plan to do so, and only use their link as backup.
• Remote participants may participate via Zoom or phone. See instructions above on how to connect to the meeting.
• Be advised: Registering to testify does not guarantee you a chance to speak or speak at specific times. Time constraints, technical issues, changes to committee schedules, etc. could affect your ability to testify.
• Remote participants will be connected to the Zoom Webinar meeting in attendee view until called to speak.
• The committee Chair may limit public testimony (for example, one minute per testifier) due to time constraints. Be prepared to testify at any point during the hearing. It is also possible you will not be recognized to testify.
• Maintain proper committee protocol, which includes waiting to be acknowledged by the committee Chair before speaking, ensuring testimony is respectful and professional, and following rules for testimony established by the Chair.
  • In person testifiers may not bring signs into the hearing rooms and must adhere to the occupancy guidelines assigned to hearing rooms.
  • Remote testifiers may include the name of their organization in the background of video feeds, but backgrounds that include a campaign sign, a slogan, or any other material that is campaign-related, offensive, or otherwise defamatory will not be permitted.
• Legislative committee and technical staff are unable to assist with any individual connection, Zoom link, or other technical issue you may experience. Please see instructions document for tips on how to address any common link or other technical issues.
• Anyone who fails to follow the rules for testimony established by the committee Chair forfeits their opportunity to testify.

How to State Your Position on a Bill Without Testifying

1. Select the committee and meeting date and time, then select the bill for which you would like to register.
2. Select “I would like my position noted for the legislative record.” Registration will close 1 hour before the start time of the hearing.
3. Ensure your registration information is accurate. Your registered position will be made available to legislative members and staff of the committee, and will be included in the legislative record for bill and meeting archival purposes, but will not be used as part of testimony summary materials on the bill report.

How to Submit Written Testimony

1. Select the committee name and meeting date and time, then select the bill for which you would like to submit written testimony.
2. Select “I would like to Submit Written Testimony.” Written testimony will close 24 hours after the start time of the hearing.
3. Provide your written comments in the form. Your comments will be made available to legislative members and staff of the committee, and will be included in the legislative record for bill and meeting archival purposes, but will not be used as part of testimony summary materials on the bill report.