| North Dakota’s 61st Legislative Assembly convened on Jan. 6. ITCND is active in the legislative process as an advocate and lobbyist for IT issues. As with any organization, ITCND looks to its members for support in encouraging the use, growth and development of IT through legislation. One way to help is by testifying about IT issues important to you. Legislators enjoy hearing from people working in and dependent upon different industry sectors; you provide the personal connection to the issues. Grassroots lobbying can be very effective, and ITCND would appreciate your voices of support.
ITCND will send out a legislative update every Friday during the session. In each update, a list of committee hearings will be posted. Stay informed and read up about the issues facing the IT industry in North Dakota. If you feel passionate about an issue, please contact ITCND and offer to testify at a hearing. Hearings before North Dakota legislative committees are generally informal, and the process is simple:
Before the Hearing You Should…
1. Find out when and where the bill will be heard, and be on time for the hearing. Usually, once a hearing is closed on a particular bill, no further testimony is heard.
2. Plan your testimony. ITCND can help you write and prepare your testimony. If ITCND knows of others testifying on the same bill, it will help you coordinate your testimony to avoid duplication.
At the Hearing You Should…
1. Be present at the start of the hearing. All persons present usually get a chance to speak; however, it is not always possible to give everyone a chance to speak. If you do not get the opportunity to testify, your presence may be acknowledged and you will be asked if you favor or oppose the bill. You can always submit written testimony.
2. Sign the witness sheet at the lectern. List the bill number, your position in favor or opposition of the bill, your name, lobbyist registration number (if applicable) and who you represent (if other than yourself).
3. Wait your turn. The chairman will announce the beginning of the hearing on a particular bill, and the clerk will read the bill. The first speaker is usually the bill’s sponsor. The chairman then asks for testimony, first from proponents and then opponents.
4. Begin your testimony by addressing the chairman and committee members, giving your name, address and why you are there. For example, “Mr. or Madam Chairman and members of the committee, my name is John Q. Public from Scranton. I’m in favor/oppose this bill because…”
5. Be brief and conversational. There is no need to be nervous or worried about doing something wrong. Legislators are your friends and neighbors who want to hear what you have to say.
6. Expect some questions and comments from committee members. If you do not know the answer to a question, offer to follow-up on the issue.
7. Respect other testimonials by avoiding clapping, cheering, booing or other demonstrations.
After the Hearing
1. Some committees vote right after a hearing, others wait until the end of the meeting and others postpone voting until another meeting.
2. All committee action is public, so you can stay and listen to the committee debate and vote if you wish.
3. One or two days later you can check with the committee clerk, your legislator, ITCND or the Legislative Information Kiosk to find out how the committee voted on the bill.
Your involvement in the legislative process is important to ITCND and to North Dakota legislators. Please inform ITCND by calling 701-355-4458 if you are interested in learning more about testifying on IT-related issues.
Legislative Hearing process provided by the North Dakota Legislature’s website. |
