When a bill or proposed resolution is introduced, the Council Chairman refers it to a committee to consider the policy, analyze its fiscal impact, determine its effect on existing law and recommend a public hearing or roundtable to solicit public comment.

Anyone can sign up to testify by calling 724-8000 or the appropriate committee. Witnesses are encouraged to bring written testimony with them or provide it to the committee prior to the hearing so that it can be included in the official record. Please bring 20 copies for circulation to the committee members and staff. If a witness does not have testimony in writing, the presiding member may permit the witness to make a statement at the hearing.  However, a written copy of testimony should be provided to the committee or the Office of the Secretary as soon as possible or in accordance with the deadline set by the appropriate committee for inclusion in the record.

If a witness is unable to sign up with the committee before the hearing, the presiding member may permit an opportunity to testify. After scheduled witnesses have been heard, the committee chairperson will call for additional comments.  Unscheduled witnesses should submit written testimony to the committee summarizing comments after the hearing.

Requests for language and hearing interpreters should be made to the committee at least five business days in advance. Trained guide dogs will be admitted. The Council chamber is equipped with an assistive hearing system.

What to Expect at a Public Hearing

A public hearing generally follows the same format. The committee chairperson opens the hearing, explains the purpose of the hearing and the ground rules. The bill’s sponsor may speak, and other Members present may make brief statements.

The committee chairperson follows the order of speakers listed on the agenda circulated at least 24 hours before the hearing. A committee chairperson may schedule government officials first to provide a status report to the public, or, government officials may be scheduled at the end of the hearing so that they may hear and respond to public comments. Also, the chairperson may call similar organizations to testify together or may group individuals as a panel.

Witnesses generally receive three to five minutes to present testimony. The Committee chairperson calls each witness by name to present testimony.  A typical testimony begins with the witness addressing the chairperson and committee members, stating his or her name, indicating whether the testimony is on behalf of a group or organization, and why the witness is there. For example, “Chairperson and Members of the committee, my name is Joan D. Public from the House of Ideas, Inc. I am in favor of this bill because…”

Speakers often use this time to summarize more extensive written testimony which is submitted for the record. The committee chairperson or Members may ask questions to elicit more information, or clarification. Testimony should be specific and to the point. If a witness does not know the answer to a question, or want time to provide an answer, they should just say so.

Please keep in mind that other citizens have signed up to testify. If you are asked to summarize your oral testimony, please comply with the committee chairperson’s request.

Guidelines for Speakers and Spectators

Council rules protect your right to testify and be heard even if others in the hearing room disagree with you. Council rules also ensure that those attending the hearing can express their views as long as they do not interfere with the rights of others to see and hear the proceedings. At all times, order and decorum will be maintained in keeping with the dignity of the legislative process.

Witnesses and the audience at hearings may wear badges, armbands or other articles of clothing that signal a point of view provided that they do not extend beyond the body or interfere with the vision of other persons at the hearing. Placards and posters are not permitted. These items create a hazard of inadvertent injury to others, particularly when the room is crowded. In addition, the Council asks that you not applaud, boo, cheer or make any audible expressions of agreement or disagreement to avoid delaying the testimony of others or disrupting the hearing. The use of cellular telephones, pagers and any audible electronic device is prohibited.

Further Information

Public hearings in the Chamber are televised live on Cable Channel 13. You can also watch Council proceedings on our website. Copies of legislation may be obtained by contacting the Legislative Services Division at 202-724-8050 or from the Council’s website www.dccouncil.us

For hearing updates, call 202-724-8000 or check the calendar on the Council’s website.

If you have other questions, contact the Office of the Secretary at 724-8080.