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SB 6 Senate Hearing – Information on giving your Testimony

SAFAFamily

The Senate Committee on State Affairs will hear witness testimony on SB6, also known as the “bathroom bill” on Tuesday, March 7th, starting at 8:00 a.m. in the Capitol Extension E1. 036. There are several ways to voice your support of SB6.  Two important ways to are through social media and through testimony at the public hearing. For social media, you can use #SB6, #ProtectPrivacy, and #txlege when posting to Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media app. Public testimony requires registration; please read these introductions for more information.

Before Registering to Support SB6 or Testify For SB6

  • Know the who and where for committee hearings. The SB hearing is with the Senate State Affairs Committee. The hearing begins at 8 a.m. in the Capitol Extension Room E1.036. The room will open at 7:30 a.m.
  • Bring a smartphone or wifi-enabled device, charged. You may be able to register using a wifi-enabled device, so bring a fully-charged device the day of and portable chargers if you have them.
  • Bring at least 20 copies of your written testimony. If you plan to supply a written testimony, you must give 20 copies of your written testimony to the clerk. Print these copies, and extra, before coming to the Capitol. (Note: You do not have to have a written testimony in order to register in support of SB6 or to testify.)

The Day of Committee Hearing

  • Parking. Free 2-hour parking can be found in the Capitol’s visitors parking garage on 13th and San Jacinto. Street parking and other garages are around the Capitol.
  • Registering at kiosks. SPECIFIC RULES FOR THIS HEARING: Anyone wishing to provide oral testimony must fill out a paper witness card. Electronic registration will only be used for people wishing to register a position on SB6 and people submitting written testimony only. Several kiosks for registering can be found near the hearing floor and around the Capitol. When registering, these devices will prompt you to provide basic information such as name and address, what entity you’re representing (either yourself or an organization), your position on the bill (support SB6), and whether you plan to testify or only submit a written testimony. Kiosks can be found using Capitol maps. For a more extensive guide, check out this video.
  • Written testimony from people not present. The Committee Clerk advises that written testimony from people not present at the hearing can be submitted to the Committee Clerk’s office. The office will distribute to committee members.
  • Registering on a smartphone or wifi-enabled device. In order to register using your smartphone or wifi-enabled device, you must be connected to the Capitol’s wifi. When you have connection to the wifi, use this website in order to complete registration. After you are redirected to the website, open your browser’s settings and click “Request Desktop Site” to properly view all options for registering. If you do not use the desktop site you will not be able to register via your smartphone. The same information needed for kiosk registration is required via mobile device. (Note: the website provided will only work IF you are connected to Capitol wi-fi.)
  • Sign a Testimony Card. SPECIFIC RULES FOR THIS HEARING: Anyone wishing to provide oral testimony must fill out a paper witness card. You can also provide the same registration information through testimony cards that can be found on a table near the entrance of the hearing room. These cards can be submitted to the clerk at anytime.

Testifying

  • Testifying is not required. If you only want to register in support of the bill, that is all you need to do. Testifying is an option for every citizen that wants to speak before the committee.
  • Limit testimony to 2 minutes. Testimonies will be timed and you will be allowed 2 minutes to complete your entire testimony. Utilize your time well and practice what you want to say beforehand. Remember that most testimonies are more conversational rather than academic. The key message is that SB6 protects the privacy and safety of our women and children and protects the freedom of businesses to set their own policies. 
  • Typical Introduction. A standard introduction of your testimony includes “Madam Chair, and members of the committee, my name is (name) from San Antonio and I’m here to testify in support of SB6.”
  • Use good data. For a list of six essential facts about SB6 click here.
  • Back up statistical data. Any statistical data provided is strengthened by supplying the company or agency that led the research. Make sure to cite your sources.

Thank you for contributing to the fight for the protection of privacy for all Texans.