How to Testify Before a Senate Committee
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Senate Committee Schedule The Senate operates a Constituent Computer Center on the second floor lobby Commerce and Labor Room 2135 – M/W/F – 1:30 p.m. of the Legislative Building. Here you can Senator Pat Spearman, Chair browse the legislative website, access your (775) 684-1461 personalized bill tracking, view meeting How to Testify Education agendas and minutes through NELIS and Before a Senate Room 2134 – M/W - 1 p.m. other legislative information at no cost to F – Upon Floor adjournment you as a constituent. A convenience Senator Mo Denis, Chair Committee designed to make the legislative process (775) 684-1466 Finance more accessible. Room 2134 – Daily – 8:00 a.m. Senator Joyce Woodhouse, Chair (775) 684-1423 Government Affairs Room 2149 – M/W/F – 1 p.m. Senator David R. Parks, Chair (775) 684-1474 Growth and Infrastructure Room 2135– T/TH – 1:30 p.m. Senator Yvanna D. Cancela, Chair (775) 684-1468 Health and Human Services Room 2149 – M/W – 4:00 p.m. Senator Julia Ratti, Chair (775) 684-1441 Judiciary Room 2135 – Daily – 8:00 a.m. Senator Nicole J. Cannizzaro, Chair (775) 684-1438 Legislative Operations and Elections Room 2144 – M/W – 4:00 p.m. Senator James Ohrenschall, Chair 80th (775) 684-1465 Natural Resources Legislative Room 2144 – T/TH – 4:00 p.m. Session Senator Melanie Scheible, Chair (775) 684-1453 Claire J. Clift 2019 Revenue and Economic Development Secretary of the Senate Room 2134– T/TH – 1:30 p.m. 401 S. Carson Street Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, Chair Carson City, NV 89701 (775) 684-1456 Phone: 775-684-1400 Fax: 775-684-6522 How to Testify Before a Senate Committee Citizen participation in the legislative process is The bill’s sponsor is generally the first to speak. in other committees that are meeting at the integral to the production of good public policy. After his testimony, the Chair may ask for same time. Nevada’s open legislative process gives you an testimony from any proponents and opponents, opportunity to offer your perspective. usually in the order in which they appear on the After Testimony Once a bill has been introduced, it is referred to sign-in sheet. Do not expect immediate committee action. a committee for study and consideration. The Begin testimony by addressing the Chair and The bill may be held until another day. After committee chair determines when a bill is the committee members. Give your name, the the discussion on your bill, you are welcome scheduled for a hearing. name of the organization or group you represent to stay and listen for the remainder of the Though committee meetings are generally and state why you are there. For example: “Mr. committee meeting. informal, it is important that you follow the (or Madam) Chair, members of the Committee, If the vote on your bill is postponed and the guidelines and protocols listed below. my name is Pat Public from Reno, NV. I am Chair does not announce a date for further representing myself, and I support/oppose this consideration, check back with committee Before the Hearing bill because….” staff or monitor the LCB website for Find out when and where your bill(s) will be All testimony and all committee discussion must information on scheduling. heard. be addressed through the Chair. For example: In answer to a committee member’s question, you Where to Find Bill Information Plan your testimony. You will be more would say, “Mr. (or Madam) Chair, through you effective in communicating your message if A fast, easy way to find up-to-date bill to Senator Smith, yes, I do approve the changes information is by using the Internet. you have prepared your testimony in writing that were discussed.” for distribution to committee members. You The Nevada Legislature maintains an can then verbally summarize your remarks to Be courteous and brief in your language and in extensive website where you can find bills, conserve time. the manner in which you address the members of amendments, committee schedules, the committee. Try not to repeat testimony locations and agendas. The Internet address At the Committee Meeting offered by previous witnesses. Be prepared to is: www.leg.state.nv.us. answer questions asked by the committee’s Be on time for the committee meeting. When Legislature is in session, call the members. Respond to the questions as best you Legislative Message Center from 8:00a.m. Be sure to sign in when you arrive and can. You need not be embarrassed because you until 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday at indicate whether you intend to testify. Sign-in do not have a specific answer. LCB’s Research 1-800-995-9080 or 1-800-978-2878 toll free. sheets are available at the entrance of each staff may be able to answer difficult questions committee room. Please print your name to after further review. Copies of bills, resolutions, journals and ensure legibility. histories can be obtained in the Public Bill Demonstrations, applause or addressing Room on the first floor of the Legislative Do not be nervous when you testify. The committee members or witnesses from the Building in Room 1201 or by calling the Senators are elected to represent you; they audience are prohibited. Public Bill Room at (775) 684-1387. want to hear what you have to say. Do not be offended if Senators come and Wait your turn. The Chair will announce the go during a hearing. They have other beginning of the hearing on a particular bill. commitments, including the presentation of bills .