Testify at Judiciary Committee Hearings
Show Up ~ Sign In ~ Speak Up
Even if you don’t testify, please come to sign-in and/or submit written testimony.
Judiciary Hearings
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
RI State House, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903
RICAGV will be there from 2pm, but the hearings will continue until late in the evening. Come as early and stay as long as you can!
Parking is Easy
Parking is FREE at the Providence Place Mall garage for the first two hours; $2 for two to five hours. Other parking garages are located within a short walk to the State House.
Street parking is available surrounding the State House for $2.50; quarters or debit/credit cards are accepted.
Afte 3pm parking is free in the RI Administration lot and the RI Dept. of Health, right across the street from the Smith Street entrance to the State House.
On the Record
We are encouraging supporters to get on the record as supporting sensible gun safety reform:
- Teachers, students, parents
- Retired police and military
- Doctors and nurses
- Researchers and scientists
- Survivors of gun violence
Checklist for Testifying at the Rhode Island State House
Source: Common Cause Rhode Island
Before you leave
- Locate parking and the time and place of the hearing on the Committee Agenda
- Dress in layers because it will likely be warm
- Bring snacks, water, a book to read or other portable hobby, and cell phone charger
- Prepare your testimony—if providing written testimony bring number of copies suggested on the Committee Agenda, plus some extra if the press wants a copy
Before you testify
- Show up prior to the start of the hearing, typically “At the Rise.”
- Sign in to testify at the appropriate committee room
- Provide clerk of the committee with written testimony, if you are submitting
When you testify
- Wait to be called by the chairperson and only address the bill you have been called for, unless instructed otherwise
- Make sure the microphone is on
- Do not read your written testimony verbatim
- Offer to answer any questions they may have
We’re Going to Need a Lot of Orange and Red Shirts
EVEN IF YOU DON’T TESTIFY:
Please come to sign your name in support of RICAGV-backed bills and/or to submit written testimony.
Judiciary hearings on gun bills typically mean a couple of thousand or more people going through security scanners at the State House, according to Rhode Island State Police, so plan to come early and wear red or orange!
Optics Matter
The enormous attendance will have a big impact, providing:
- Valuable media coverage
- Inspiration for others to get involved
- Validation of remarkable student advocacy