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How to Testify in the Texas House Redistricting Committee

On Monday, October 4, 2021, the Texas House Redistricting Committee will convene for a hearing on the initial proposed Texas House map. Click here to view the official hearing notice. Members of the public are invited and welcome to testify in hearings of the Texas House Redistricting Committee to advocate for their communities, and give input on proposed maps. All testimony will be limited to three minutes.

Testifying Virtually

  • The Texas House Redistricting Committee is accepting virtual testimony during its hearings. Those wishing to testify virtually via Zoom must register 24 hours before the hearing begins. Members of the public may request an invitation to provide testimony virtually by registering with the committee before 9:00 AM on Sunday, October 3, 2021. Click here to register.

Testifying in Person

GETTING TO THE CAPITOL

PARKING:

  • Aim to arrive about 45 minutes to an hour before the hearing begins.
  • Park at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage (1201 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701)
  • The parking fee is $12 for the full day M-F and FREE on the weekends 
  • The garage is open 7am – 6:30pm

ACCESSING THE BUILDING:

  • Use the North or South entrances to the Capitol; the Capitol building will open at 7:00 am. 
  • Proceed through security. This may take another 15 minutes or so.
  • The hearing rooms are in the Capitol Extension, which can be accessed by taking the North elevators down to “E1.”

REGISTRATION

  1. Once you enter the Capitol, register to testify (note: these instructions apply only to the House Committee hearing): Follow this link on your personal device or access a Capitol kiosk to register to testify for a specific bill. 
    • Note: You may only register from a personal device if you are connected to the Capitol Public WiFi inside the Capitol, Capitol extension or John H. Reagan Building. 
    • Be sure to see the final screen that states you are registered before exiting the program.
  2. Wait: Wait inside the committee room, in a designated overflow room, or in the hallway.  Be prepared to testify when the committee chair calls you to the podium to speak.
  3. Testify: Begin your testimony by stating your name, who you represent if  you speak for an  organization or yourself if not) and your position on the bill (in favor, opposed or neutral).

Questions?

Contact Cara Santucci with the House Democratic Caucus (caratxhdc@gmail.com/(512) 463-0574).

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