Speak Up, Ohio
Learn how to submit testimony, complete a witness slip, and make your voice part of the official record. Missed the deadline? You STILL have options.
When a bill is being heard in the Ohio legislature, every day, people have the right to speak up. But the process is not always easy to find or understand. This guide walks you through how to submit testimony, complete a witness slip, and still take action even if you miss the deadline.
Important: Testimony deadlines often close about 24 hours before a hearing. If you miss the online submission deadline, you may still be able to email testimony, show up in person, and ask that your statement be entered into the record.
📣 What Is Testimony?
Testimony is a written or spoken statement that lets lawmakers know where you stand on a bill. It becomes part of the public legislative record and can help shape how lawmakers understand the real-life impact of a proposal.
- Proponent testimony means you support the bill
- Opponent testimony means you oppose the bill
- Interested party testimony means you have concerns or perspectives to share without fully supporting or opposing the bill
📝 What Is a Witness Slip?
A witness slip is the form used by a legislative committee to collect your name, position on the bill, and whether you plan to testify in writing, in person, or both. In many cases, the witness slip is built into the online testimony submission form for that specific committee hearing.
Lady Humanity says: In plain English, the witness slip is your official sign-in form for the hearing process.
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Submit Testimony
Step 1: Find the bill and the committee hearing
Go to the Ohio House or Ohio Senate committee page, depending on where the bill is being heard. Find the correct committee, then click the meeting date for the hearing you want.
Step 2: Open the hearing notice
Inside the hearing notice, look for the option to submit testimony or complete a witness slip. This link may be labeled differently depending on the chamber or committee, so look carefully.
Step 3: Prepare your testimony
Write your testimony in a clear, respectful format. Include:
- your name
- your organization, if applicable
- the bill number
- whether you are a proponent, an opponent, or an interested party
- your comments or concerns
- your signature block or closing information
Step 4: Fill out the witness slip/testimony form
Complete the online form with your information and indicate whether you plan to testify in person, in writing only, or both.
Step 5: Upload or paste your testimony
Some committees ask you to upload a PDF. Others may allow direct text entry. Follow the instructions on the hearing page and submit before the deadline.
🚨 What If I Miss the Deadline?
Missing the online deadline does not always mean your voice is shut out.
You may still be able to:
- Email your testimony directly to committee leadership or staff
- show up to the hearing in person
- ask that your written testimony be entered into the official record
- Provide printed copies at the Statehouse
Do not assume “deadline passed” means “do not come.”
🎒 What to Bring With You
- 3 to 5 printed copies of your testimony
- a photo ID if needed for building entry
- a charged phone
- a notebook or folder
- the hearing room name and time
- patience and confidence
🗣️ What to Say When You Arrive
If you submitted late or are unsure whether your testimony was received, calmly tell committee staff:
“I submitted written testimony and wanted to make sure it was received. If possible, I would also like to be considered for the record.”
🍑 Peach Note
“If I had to figure this out in real time, I know other Ohioans are probably trying to do the same. That’s why Humanity First Ohio created this guide—to help regular people walk in ready.”
💡 Helpful Tips
- Keep your testimony clear and focused
- Respectful testimony is often more effective than reactive testimony
- Lead with impact: who is affected, how, and why it matters
- Watch deadlines closely
- Even if you are nervous, your voice still belongs in the process
🔥 Why This Matters
“Democracy should not require a decoder ring.”
Democracy should not require a decoder ring. The average resident should be able to understand how to speak on a bill that may affect their family, community, work, or rights. Humanity First Ohio believes civic access should be practical, visible, and usable.
🧰 Need More Civic Tools?
Visit our Civic Toolkit for more step-by-step resources that help Ohioans understand government, take action, and participate with confidence.