Sign in and testify
Why are so few bills listed?
A short lesson on the legislative process.
Why are there fewer bills listed right now?
You may have noticed that lately there are fewer requests to sign in or testify on bills. That’s because the legislature is approaching an important deadline called Cross-Over.
What is Cross-Over?
Cross-Over is the date by which the House and Senate must finish acting on all bills that started in their chamber.
Before a bill can move forward, it usually goes through:
- a public hearing (where people can sign-in and testify)
- a committee vote
- a vote of the full House or Senate
If the bill passes, it is sent to the other chamber to go through the same process. That’s called “crossing over.”
When is the deadline?
This year the Cross-Over deadline is March 26.
Because that date is approaching, most hearings have already happened. Right now lawmakers are mainly voting on bills during House and Senate floor session.
Why things will pick up again soon:
The slowdown in hearings is temporary. After Cross-Over:
- House bills go to the Senate for hearings and votes.
- Senate bills go to the House for the same process.
So starting in early April, there will again be many opportunities to sign in and testify, especially in the Senate.
What happens after both chambers pass a bill?
- If both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the Governor to be signed or vetoed.
- If they pass different versions, they may negotiate a compromise through a Committee of Conference. Most of those negotiations happen toward the end of the legislative session. (More on that later)
As we move through the session, there will be more and more action alerts asking you to contact Governor Ayotte. Put her office telephone number in your speed dial now 😉 (603) 491-1795
CLICK ON EACH LINK BELOW for a list of bills being heard, helpful information on each and directions about contacting your representatives and senator.
Sign in and provide written testimony by 9 o’clock on the morning of the bill’s hearing. (Sign-ins and testimony are officially accepted until 11:59 pm the day of the hearing. However, since some committees are voting on bills the same day they are heard, we recommend sharing your opinion before the committee meets.)
Kent Street Coalition 