How to testify before the Alabama legislature
The mechanics of testifying are in the general guide. This page covers what is specific to Alabama.
How Alabama does it
Alabama's hearings are in person only, with no confirmed video or phone-in option. A committee holds a public hearing on a bill only if the chair receives a written request for one before the bill is scheduled, so a hearing is not automatic for every bill. To testify, arrive early and add your name to the sign-in sheet at the hearing room. Being present and signed up does not guarantee a turn if many people want to speak. There is no dedicated online portal for written testimony, so contact the committee or your legislator's office directly if you can't attend.
Deadlines and numbers
A public hearing happens only after a written request to the committee chair before the bill is scheduled. Sign-up is in person at the hearing room, with no advance deadline published. Advocacy groups commonly report a roughly 3-minute per-speaker limit, but this is chair discretion, not a published statewide rule. Confirm with committee staff for your specific bill.
Where to go
- Legislative process overview: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/legislative-process
- Today's schedule: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/todays-schedule
- Committee meetings calendar: http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/Alison/CommitteeMeetings.aspx
- Live and archived hearing video: https://www.thealabamachannel.org/