If you plan to speak at a public hearing, it is often useful to prepare and distribute your comments in written form. This helps you make clear and concise comments, and ensures that committee members who are not present at the public hearing have the opportunity to receive your input.
In preparing testimony, written or not, make sure you introduce yourself and, if you represent an organization, give the name of the organization. State whether you support the bill, oppose it or are offering suggestions to improve it, and then explain your reasoning. If you do provide written testimony, bring at least 20 copies and give them to the committee clerk before you testify.
Photocopiers are available in the Law and Legislative Reference Library in Room 200 of the State House for a nominal charge. You can contact the Law Library at 287-1600 or e-mail them at webmaster_lawlib@state.me.us for further information and research assistance.
The Maine Constitution, Revised Statutes, the Laws of Maine are available on-line.
Bill and Amendment Text is available on-line for the current session. You can also pick up copies of bills and amendments on the First floor at the Legislative Document Room - Room 102 in the State House. Be sure to have an LD number for bills and an amendment filing number for amendments.
You can contact the Legislative Document Room at 287-1408 or by e-mail to webmaster_house@state.me.us
(Rev. 02/09/2005)