How to testify before the California legislature
The mechanics of testifying are in the general guide. This page covers what is specific to California.
How California does it
California ended its pandemic-era remote testimony option. As of 2023, committee hearings reverted to in-person-only oral testimony. In practice, committees commonly hear from about two primary witnesses on each side, support and opposition, each given roughly 2 minutes, while everyone else in the room can only state their name, organization, and position for the record rather than give extended remarks. The format varies by committee and chair. The main way to get a substantive position on record without attending in person is the legislature's Advocates portal, where you register once, then select a bill and submit a signed position letter on letterhead.
Deadlines and numbers
Position letters are commonly due about 5 business days before the hearing, though this can vary by committee, so check the specific committee's page. The 2026 session convenes January 5 and adjourns August 31, 2026.
Where to go
- Advocates position-letter portal: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/
- Senate legislative deadlines calendar: https://www.senate.ca.gov/legislative-deadlines-calendar
- Assembly calendar: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/calendar
- Example committee rules (Assembly Judiciary): https://ajud.assembly.ca.gov/hearings