Handbook·State government

How to testify before the New Jersey legislature

State page·Verified 2026-07-10

The mechanics of testifying are in the general guide. This page covers what is specific to New Jersey.

How New Jersey does it

New Jersey's Legislature is bicameral: a 40-member Senate and an 80-member General Assembly, each with standing committees that hear bills and hold public hearings. Most committee meetings happen Mondays and Thursdays at the State House Annex in Trenton, though hearings on bonds, ballot questions, or constitutional matters can be held elsewhere in the state. To testify, sign up in advance: the Legislature's online calendar lists each hearing, and clicking the committee name pulls up a Registration Form link. Some committees require pre-registration, so check with the committee aide listed for that hearing. Past hearings have required forms in by 3:00 p.m. the day before, but the deadline is set per hearing, so always confirm on the specific listing. Several hearings, including recent budget hearings, have run with no in-person option at all, with testimony taken remotely by phone or video, sometimes limited to three minutes per speaker. Whether a given hearing offers remote testimony is decided case by case, so check the hearing notice. Written testimony is welcomed even when you also testify orally. Submit it to the committee aide for that hearing.

Deadlines and numbers

  • Current session: the 222nd Legislature, convened January 13, 2026, running as a two-year session.
  • Typical registration deadline seen on past hearings: 3:00 p.m. the day before (confirm per hearing).
  • Typical oral time limit seen on past remote hearings: three minutes (confirm per hearing).
  • Committee meetings generally held Mondays and Thursdays.

Where to go