Speaking at Legislative Committee Hearings as a Veeto Advocate

TL;DR: What It Means to Give Public Comment at a Committee Hearing

Giving public comment at a legislative committee hearing is a quick, structured way to show your support or opposition to a bill. In your public comment, you'll state:

Since you'll only have several seconds to speak, avoid additional explanations or reasoning, as these are often not allowed. Listen carefully to the committee chair’s instructions, line up at the microphone when prompted, and clearly deliver your short statement.

Offering public comment at a committee hearing is an effective way to influence legislation directly. This guide will prepare you thoroughly to testify confidently as a Veeto advocate during California legislative committee hearings.

Confirm the Location and Arrive Early

Most committee hearings take place in the California State Capitol building in Sacramento, but some happen in the Capitol Annex building (1021 O Street) directly across the street. Each bill's page on Veeto will display accurate information on the hearing’s date, location, and time. Always confirm the exact location beforehand and again shortly before the hearing in case of last-minute changes or cancellations.

When you enter the Capitol or Annex, you'll need to pass through metal detectors. Be prepared to remove your laptop or any large electronics from your bag, and to remove any objects from your pockets. If you’re wearing a hat, you may be asked to remove it as well.

Arriving a bit early lets you clear security comfortably, find your hearing room, and settle in without stress.

Check the bill status again right before attending: Sometimes hearings get rescheduled, canceled, or moved. Double-check for last-minute updates before heading out.

What Happens During the Hearing

Here's a breakdown of a typical California committee hearing:

  1. Committee Introductions: The committee chair officially opens the hearing once enough legislators (a quorum ) are present.

  2. Bill Author's Introduction: The legislator who authored the bill briefly introduces it and explains its purpose.

  3. Primary Witnesses in Support: Usually, two invited witnesses deliver detailed statements supporting the bill (around two minutes each).

  4. Public Comments in Support: After the primary witnesses, the chair invites members of the public, including Veeto advocates like you, to give brief statements supporting the bill.

  5. Primary Witnesses in Opposition: Typically, two invited witnesses deliver detailed statements opposing the bill (also around two minutes each).

  6. Public Comments in Opposition: After the primary witnesses, the chair invites members of the public—this is your time to shine if you are in opposition—to give brief statements opposing the bill.

Your role as a Veeto advocate will most likely fall during one of the "Public Comments" sections, so listening carefully to instructions from the committee chair will ensure you are ready when it's your time to speak.

Committee hearings usually include multiple bills. The committee’s daily file, available online, lists the order in which bills will be heard. While you can leave after your bill is voted on, don't arrive late even if your bill is scheduled later—the order can change without notice.

Exactly How to Deliver Your Public Comment

Giving public comments during legislative committee hearings is straightforward and quick. When the committee chair announces that it's time for public comments (whether you’re supporting or opposing a bill), simply line up behind the microphone as directed.

When it's your turn, clearly state these three points:

  1. Your full name
  2. Your affiliation, city, or role (for example, "student at UCLA," "resident of Sacramento," or you can mention that you are speaking on behalf of a group)
  3. Your stance on the bill ("support" or "oppose"), mentioning the bill's number clearly. For example "I am in respectful opposition to AB-123"

Because time is limited, you'll be asked to keep your comments to these three points only. If you try to explain your reasoning or add additional information, the chair will likely interrupt and remind you to stay within these guidelines.

Here's a quick example you can easily follow:

"Hello, my name is John Doe. I'm a student at UC Davis and I strongly support AB-123. Thank you."

That's really all you need to confidently share your viewpoint.

What Happens After Public Testimony

After all testimony—both supporting and opposing—is complete, the public comment period will close. At this point, legislators on the committee discuss the bill among themselves. They may ask questions, share concerns, debate specific points, or request clarification from the bill's author or primary witnesses. However, no additional public comments will be taken during this phase unless a legislator specifically asks a primary witness to answer a question.

Following their discussion, the chair calls for a vote. Legislators vote "aye," "no," or abstain, and the chair immediately announces the result. Successful bills proceed to another committee or to the full Assembly or Senate chamber.

Even after you've provided your comments, consider staying to watch how the legislators discuss and vote on the bill. You'll gain valuable insight into what legislators consider important, which you can leverage as you continue advocating for or against the bill going forward.

Extra Tips to Keep You Comfortable and Confident

Final Thoughts: Your Advocacy Makes a Difference

Legislators hear from lobbyists and experts every day—but when their own constituents take time to attend and speak at hearings, it catches their attention. By advocating with Veeto, you're showing lawmakers their communities care about the legislation they're voting on and that you are paying attention. Your presence, even briefly, can influence decisions and help shape policy outcomes.