As this most unusual of legislative sessions begins virtually, there are some new rules of the road to note. Actually, you can skip the road and just amble over to your own computer to participate as the state Capitol remains closed to the public for public health reasons.
Despite the closure, Oregonians will be able to monitor legislative hearings and submit testimony. A testimony portal has been created that allows a witness to select a committee and hearing date and submit comments on a specific bill. Witnesses also can submit written testimony in by mail. A few hearings on bills have been scheduled as lawmakers begin the session with a series of informational hearings.
“With the public health emergency, this will be a challenging legislative session,” explains CFM Partner Dale Penn II. “Public citizens, advocates and professional lobbyists will all need to interact with the policy process in new and innovate ways to be successful. I’m glad to see legislative leadership put out this information to serve as a guidepost for all interested parties.”
The legislature’s website contains a useful, step-by-step explanation of how to submit testimony, including how to upload a document in a pdf format. Written testimony must be submitted at least 24 hours before the start of a committee hearing on the legislation.
Many of these legislative access points aren’t new, but they take on greater significance in a virtual legislative session when in-person contact is severely restricted at the same time lawmakers still need grassroots feedback.
All committee hearings will be live streamed and viewable on computers or mobile devices. For people without internet access, there will a public access station outside the Capitol to view hearings. Closed captioning is available for all meetings carried online.
The legislative website includes a citizen engagement section written a question-and-answer format. Topics include how to contact legislative committee staff, identifying what legislators sit on a particular committee, locating information about a specific bill and following measures through the legislative process. It also explains the difference between a public hearing and work session and offers assistance in tracking down what House and Senate district a constituent lives in.
The legislature maintains a toll-free information line (1.800.332.2313) for Oregonians without computer access or those who just prefer to talk to someone. Citizens also can send email to help.leg@oregonlegislature.gov. The legislative website allows citizens to access live and archived video, as well as subscribe to receive email alerts on hearing schedules.
Of course, legislators will continue to hold Zoom meetings to talk “face-to-face” with constituents and various groups.
Many of these legislative access points aren’t new, but they take on greater significance in a virtual legislative session when in-person contact is severely restricted at the same time lawmakers still need grassroots feedback.
One upside of virtual committee hearings is that everyday citizens will have the same access as professional lobbyists, who also will have to submit their testimony online and in advance. Another upside is avoiding a lengthy trek to the Capitol, searching for a nearby parking spot and standing around for hours waiting for a turn to testify. Virtual sessions have their virtues.
