By Senator Judith G. Freedman

Every year, constituents ask me how to become part of the legislative process. While some of you may remember that I have written about this topic before, I believe many of you will appreciate a brief “refresher course” now that the 2006 Legislative Session is underway.

First, the 2006 Legislative Session is a “short session” that runs, as do all regular sessions held in even-numbered years, from February to May. This year, the session opened on February 8th and will end on May 3rd. In odd-numbered years, the session runs from January to June. The way we conduct legislative business is governed in part by whether we are having a “short session” or a “long session.” For example, the General Assembly adopts a biennial, or two-year, state budget during the long session. In the short sessions, such as this year, we adopt changes to the biennial budget that the Legislature deems necessary.

It is helpful to those interested in becoming involved in the legislative process to understand how we develop and pass bills that become laws.

Legislative committees raise bills, proposed legislation, for public hearings. Under our rules, a bill must have a public hearing before it moves ahead in the legislative process. Public hearings give legislators, members of the committees, an opportunity to hear from those who would be most affected by the proposed legislation. Often, this means the state agency responsible for implementing the bill will have something to say, as well as the legislators who helped bring the bill to life. In addition, those with vested interests, perhaps lobbyists who represent companies, groups or organizations, will also testify.

Notice is given for all public hearings and the agenda is made available to the public. The Legislative Bulletin contains all the information regarding public hearings and general committee meetings. If a bill interests you, you may call the committee of cognizance or my office to request the bill status and details of the public hearing. If you do not know which committee may hear a particular bill, you may call my office for that information.

Interested persons may sign up to speak about a particular bill, or bills, one hour before the scheduled public hearing. If the topic is likely to generate a great deal of interest, you may need to allow yourself time to get here early and wait in line to sign up to speak. As committees often hear testimony regarding many bills at any one hearing, most sign-up sheets include space to indicate the bill number and indicate whether you are for or against the bill. You should know that some committees set aside the first hour of a hearing for testimony from agencies and/or legislators. Once again, you should check with the committee clerk to learn what time members of the general pubic will begin to speak. Some committee chairs invite the public to speak in the order in which they signed up, while others alternate between those for and against each bill before moving on to the next bill scheduled to be heard.

Each committee establishes its own rules for public hearings. Some request that speakers bring a certain number of copies of written testimony. It is always wise to bring written testimony in case you are unable to stay for the entire hearing. You may submit your written testimony to the committee clerks, who will then place your viewpoint on the record.

Some committees limit the amount of time allocated to speakers, particularly if the agenda is long and the issue or issues being heard have attracted many people. When giving your testimony, be sure to make your points precisely and clearly. You may hand in supplementary materials as part of your testimony. Be prepared to answer questions from committee members. We are there to learn from you, and we may need more detailed information.

Normally, consideration is given to the amount of time the public must wait to speak. With this in mind, committee chairs will often announce one or two speakers to follow the current speaker. I remember one very long public hearing at which more than 65 people had signed up to speak. As the hours passed and each had a turn, the crowd thinned – but it was the next to last speaker whose testimony made is possible for the bill to work. His testimony was so compelling and logical that we were able to resolve a serious flaw in a bill that we had been trying to repair for two years.

Traveling to Hartford to testify about something in which you strongly believe is your opportunity to let your legislators and members of the committee responsible for preparing the bill know your position. Your comments may provide the information that keeps the bill alive and moving through the process. Your testimony may also bring about changes that will make the bill better, more workable, or more focused. Should you find it impossible to get to Hartford for a hearing, you may mail your testimony to the committee clerk to be included as part of the record.

I hope that this brief overview of the public haring process is helpful. Information about pending legislation, committee meetings, public hearings and public acts can be obtained from the Connecticut General Assembly’s website at www.cga.ct.gov. You may also call my office at 1-800-842-1421, or e-mail me at Judith.G.Freedman@cga.ct.gov.

Senator Judith G. Freedman represents the 26th Senatorial District, which includes the communities, or portions of the communities, of: Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

(To Editors: Further Contact Information: Catherine Sarault, Senate Republican Office, 860-240-8818)