Montanans can use remote testimony in state Senate

Press release

HELENA — Montanans will have the opportunity to testify remotely in front of every state Senate committee during the legislative session in addition to the normal in-person process at the State Capitol in Helena due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In order to testify remotely via video conferencing or by phone, people must register on the Legislature’s website at https://leg.mt.gov/ by noon the day before the committee hearing takes place. People must also provide brief written testimony by noon the day before the hearing to ensure their comments are received regardless of any technical difficulties. 

In addition to the new virtual testimony option, Montanans can still testify in-person at the Capitol, contact their individual legislators by phone or email, or contact a committee via the Legislature’s website. 

Committee chairs reserve the right to determine the length of time testimony is heard, the order of speakers, and determine the end of any particular testimony being delivered, the same as every other legislative session. Montanans are always encouraged to submit written testimony, especially if time constraints may cap the number of speakers in a busy hearing. Written testimony will be accepted until the committee takes executive action on the bill. 

The Senate reminds Montanans that even if they are testifying remotely, they are appearing virtually in the State Capitol during the official lawmaking process and need to observe proper decorum and be polite, professional, and respectful of others’ opinions and time. 

Key points to remember for testifying remotely:

• People who plan on testifying via Zoom or via phone call must register by noon the day before the scheduled testimony at http://www.leg.mt.gov 

• Participants may testify via phone if they are unable to access Zoom. However, participants testifying via phone also must register by noon the day before the scheduled testimony. 

• Due to time constraints or technical difficulties, every participant may not be heard in every committee hearing. However, all participants can submit written testimony. Testimony and supporting documentation must be submitted by noon the day before the hearing begins.

• Written testimony will be accepted until the committee takes executive action on the bill. 

• People testifying in front of the Legislature, whether in-person or virtually, should observe proper decorum and be polite, professional, and respectful of others’ opinions and time.