How to testify before the Louisiana legislature
The mechanics of testifying are in the general guide. This page covers what is specific to Louisiana.
How Louisiana does it
Louisiana has no statewide remote or video testimony system for committee hearings. To testify, you go in person to the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Pick up a witness card from the committee room or an overflow room: green to support a bill, red to oppose, white if you're only offering factual information without taking a position. Fill out and sign one card per bill, and turn it in to the committee's administrative assistant before or during the meeting. The chair calls public witnesses after members and invited testimony. There is no fixed statewide time limit. Individual committee chairs set limits at their discretion, especially when a bill draws heavy interest, so ask staff what applies that day. Meetings are livestreamed for viewing, but the stream is not an interactive way to testify.
Deadlines and numbers
- No advance sign-up deadline. Witness cards are submitted the day of the hearing, in the room.
- No fixed statewide time limit exists. Chairs set limits when needed.
- Regular sessions typically run spring to early summer. Committees also meet during interims between sessions.
Where to go
- Committee meeting schedules: https://house.louisiana.gov/H_Sched/Hse_MeetingSchedule
- Senate and House committee listings: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Committees.aspx?c=S
- Citizen's Guide to House Committee Meetings (witness card process): https://house.louisiana.gov/H_Citizens/GeneralCitizensGuide.pdf
- Legislature home and session info: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/SessionInfo/SessionInfo_26RS.aspx
- Legislative audio/video archive: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/video.aspx
No official portal for submitting written testimony in advance was found, and no confirmed remote/video option for public participation exists. If in-person attendance isn't possible, check /engage for current options.