Legislators need to hear from us—whether it's pushing back on anti-LGBTQIA+ bills or reminding Democrats that we need them to fight for us.

👉 Find My Legislator

Best Practices for Contacting Lawmakers:

• Introduce Yourself – Share your name, where you live, and if applicable, any organization you’re representing.

• Be Clear About the Bill – Mention the bill number, your position, and why it matters.

• Keep It Focused – Stick to one or two key points that explain your position.

• Make It Personal – Share how this bill impacts you, your loved ones, or your community.

• Follow Up – If you don’t get a response, send another email or make another call.

Before a bill can be voted on, it must go through a committee hearing in either the House or Senate. This is where public testimony happens, and committees decide whether to advance the bill.

• House Committee Schedule
  👉 House Committee Calendar

• Senate Committee Schedule
  👉 Senate Committee Calendar

What to Know About Committee Hearings:

• Most hearings happen on weekdays, often with little advance notice.

• If a bill does not pass committee, it is usually dead for the session (though it can sometimes return).

• Committees take public testimony, alternating between supporters and opponents.

• Testimony is usually limited to two minutes per person and may be cut short if time runs out.

Once a bill passes committee, it moves to the House or Senate floor for debate and a vote. This is when lawmakers decide whether to pass, amend, or reject the bill.

• House Floor Schedule
  👉 House Floor Calendar

• Senate Floor Schedule
  👉 Senate Floor Calendar

What to Know About Floor Votes:

• No public testimony is allowed during floor debates.

• Legislators may propose amendments that change the bill before voting.

• If a bill passes one chamber, it must go through the same process in the other chamber (House → Senate or Senate → House).

• If a bill passes both chambers, it moves to the governor's desk for final approval or veto.

Testifying—whether in person or in writing—puts our stories into the public record and shows lawmakers that we are paying attention.

👉 Watch this ACLU Idaho video on how to sign up to testify.

• Sign Up Early – Some hearings fill up quickly. You may need to sign up online or in person.

• Time Limits – Each speaker is usually limited to two minutes (this is strictly enforced).

• Be Direct – Start with your name, where you live, and your position on the bill. Example:

  • “Good morning, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [City]. I am here to oppose House Bill X.”

• Personal Story or Evidence – Explain how the bill impacts you, your family, or your community.

• Closing Statement – Ask the committee for specific action. Example:

  • “I urge you to vote no on this bill to protect LGBTQIA+ Idahoans.”

• Legislators May Ask Questions – You do not have to answer. It’s okay to say, “I will not stand for questions.”

• Challenging Atmosphere – Some lawmakers may dismiss, challenge, or attack testimony. Stay firm.

Written Testimony:

• If you can’t testify in person, you can submit written testimony to the committee.

• Written testimony should follow the same structure as in-person testimony.

Testifying at the Idaho Legislature can feel overwhelming, especially for those new to the process. The atmosphere is formal, structured, and can be tense, but knowing what to expect can help you prepare.

The Room & Setup

• Testimonies happen in committee hearing rooms at the State Capitol.

• Lawmakers sit at a long, elevated table facing the audience.

• A podium or microphone is set up for the public to speak.

• The room may be packed with other advocates, opponents, lobbyists, and media.

The Process

1. Sign Up Early – You may need to register online or on a sign-up sheet outside the hearing room.

2. Wait for Your Turn – Testimonies are usually heard in the order people sign up, alternating between supporters and opponents.

3. Speak for Two Minutes – A timer is strictly enforced, and you may be cut off when time runs out.

4. Be Ready for Difficult Comments – Some legislators may respond dismissively or even offensively. Stay firm and composed.

Rules on Clothing & Signs

• No Clothing with Political Statements – T-shirts, buttons, or clothing with slogans (e.g., “Trans Rights Are Human Rights”) are not allowed in the hearing room.

• No Signs or Banners – You cannot hold up signs inside the room, but you can display them outside.

• Dress Neutral if Possible – While not required, neutral or professional clothing can help avoid unwanted attention from security or legislators.

The Atmosphere

• Formal & Strict – Interruptions are not allowed, and lawmakers expect "respectful" engagement.

• Intimidating But Powerful – Seeing a room full of people testifying can be impactful, even if lawmakers seem unresponsive.

• Unpredictable – Hearings may run long, or testimony may be cut short if the committee chair decides to end public comment.

Why Testify?

Even if it feels like lawmakers aren’t listening, your testimony becomes part of the official record and helps build long-term resistance. If you can’t testify in person, submitting written testimony is also an option.

This Is Not for Everyone—And That’s Okay

For some, testifying can be an empowering experience, a way to speak truth to power and be visible in a space that often ignores us. For others, it can be harmful and exhausting, especially in a hostile environment. Both feelings are valid. Advocacy takes many forms, and there are many ways to fight back. Find what works for you.

Not everyone can testify or directly contact lawmakers, but there are other ways to stay engaged:

• Spread the Word – Share bill updates, testimony tips, and action alerts on social media.

• Attend Hearings – Even if you don’t speak, being present in the room sends a message.

• Join Advocacy Events – Rallies, town halls, and trainings help strengthen our movement.

• Volunteer with Local Organizations – Many queer-led groups in Idaho are doing advocacy work—find ways to plug in.