How to Testify

Make Your Conservative Voice Heard in Annapolis!

As young Republicans in Maryland, we believe in limited government, fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and strong communities. One of the most direct ways to defend these values is to testify at legislative committee hearings on bills that affect our state. Your testimony—whether in-person, virtual, or written—becomes part of the official record and can influence lawmakers.

Testifying is easier than you think, thanks to the MyMGA online system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started. We recommend double-checking the latest details on the official Maryland General Assembly (MGA) website at mgaleg.maryland.gov, as rules can vary by committee and session.

1. Prepare Your Message

  • Research the bill thoroughly: Find bill text, fiscal notes, and hearing schedules on mgaleg.maryland.gov. Search by bill number (e.g., HB 123 or SB 456).
  • Decide on your position: Favorable (FAV/Support), Unfavorable (UNF/Oppose), Favorable with Amendments (FWA), or Informational Only.
  • Write strong testimony: Keep written testimony to 1-2 pages (PDF format required). Start with your position, share a personal story or local impact (e.g., how a tax hike affects young families in Bethesda), back it with facts, and end with a clear call to action. Tie it to conservative principles—e.g., protecting taxpayer dollars or defending Second Amendment rights.
  • For oral testimony: Practice to fit within the typical 2-minute limit (sometimes reduced to 1 minute for high volume; bill sponsors often get 3 minutes). Time yourself—be concise, respectful, and persuasive.

2. Create a MyMGA Account (Required for All Testimony)

  • Go to mgaleg.maryland.gov.
  • Click the MyMGA icon (top right corner, circled in the above image).
  • Register with your real name (this appears on the public witness list), email, phone, address, and a password.
  • Confirm via the email link sent to you.
  • Use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. It is not a good idea to use Internet Explorer, as it may be unsupported.

3. Sign Up to Testify (Oral and/or Written)

  • Sign-up opens two business days before the hearing, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (business days exclude weekends).
  • Example: For a Wednesday hearing → sign up Monday.
  • For a Monday hearing → sign up the previous Thursday.
  • Log in to MyMGA → Click “Witness Signup” (under MyMGA menu).
  • Select the committee and bill.
  • Choose your options:
    • Written testimony only.
    • Oral testimony (in-person strongly encouraged, or virtual via Zoom—limited spots, often up to 14 virtual per bill in Senate committees).
    • Both (recommended—submit written + speak orally).
  • Some committees cap witnesses or have special rules (e.g., certain bills may limit testimony if previously heard).
  • Note: Your sign-up name must match exactly for virtual Zoom access.

4. Submit Written Testimony

  • Upload as a PDF only during the sign-up window (no other formats accepted).
  • Include at the top: Bill number, your position (FAV/UNF/FWA), full name, address, email, and phone.
  • Once submitted, it’s a public record—posted on the MGA site and cannot be removed after the hearing starts.
  • Late submissions may be accepted, but often are not uploaded in advance.

5. Deliver Oral Testimony on Hearing Day

  • Hearings typically start at 1:00 p.m. Tuesdays–Thursdays (check schedule for time).
  • Bill order posted by noon (or the day before) on the MGA hearing schedule.
  • In-person: Arrive early to the committee room in Annapolis (dress professionally—business casual). Hearings are streamed live on the MGA site.
  • Virtual: You’ll get a Zoom link via email (check spam if missing). Join with your real name matching sign-up; camera on, no screen sharing (upload visuals as PDF written testimony instead). Stay in the waiting room until called.
  • Speak clearly: State your name, position, and key points. Be respectful—even if you disagree strongly.
  • Committees may ask questions after your time.

6. After the Hearing

  • View your testimony and the witness list on the bill’s history page on mgaleg.maryland.gov.
  • Follow up: Email committee members or to your legislators to thank them or reinforce your points.
  • Track the bill’s progress and consider testifying again at later stages if needed.

Quick Tips for Maximum Impact

  • In-person testimony often carries more weight—consider carpooling with fellow Young Republicans to Annapolis!
  • Be early and prepared, as hearings can run long.
  • Stay respectful and factual—focus on how the bill affects everyday Marylanders.
  • No food in committee rooms; water is usually okay.
  • For virtual: Test your setup ahead of time.

Testifying is a key way young conservatives can push back against big-government policies and advocate for freedom and opportunity in Maryland. If you’re interested in upcoming bills or need help preparing, reach out to Maryland Young Republicans—we’re here to support you!

Official Resources 

  • Maryland General Assembly: mgaleg.maryland.gov
    • MyMGA Tutorials: Search “MyMGA” on the site for video guides. 
    • Hearing Schedule: mgaleg.maryland.gov → Meetings → Hearing Schedule 
    • Committee Pages: Check specific committee guidelines (e.g., Judiciary, Finance) for any variations.

Your voice matters—get signed up and make a difference today!

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