📢 How to testify in person or via Zoom
In person testimony instructions:
Select SB 5201 or HB 1433 and “I would like to testify in person at the hearing” OR “I would like to testify remotely” (via zoom).
You will be required to take a stance on the bill. Please choose “CON” or “OTHER”, as we are not in favor of this bill as it is currently written.
Sign up to testify. You will receive an email that will contain instructions for what to expect on the day of the public hearing.
Practice your testimonial talk at home before the hearing day. Dress to impress. Aim to communicate in respectful, informative, and authentic ways. Sharing personal experiences can be especially powerful in letting your leaders know what is important to you as a Washington citizen. Your courage is valuable and your voice matters.
Written testimony instructions:
Click on SB 5201 or HB 1433 and “I would like to submit written testimony”. Copy and paste from the REACH Written Testimony Template (click the underlined text to open this link) into your entry. Make any changes you feel necessary, add personal stories, and make it your own if you’d like to. Sign the bottom of the letter with your name.
You will be required to take a stance on the bill. Please choose “CON” or “OTHER”, as we are not in favor of this bill as it is currently written.
Email your local legislators (both Representatives and Senators) and make sure they know how you feel, either through direct emails or even better, schedule a meeting with them virtually or in person.
Find out who your local legislators are via this site
Find their email addresses on the linked sites and write asking them to take a stance by only supporting these bills if they include local protections AND statewide personal use protections.
Bonus: Schedule a virtual or in person meeting with them to make a personal connection and help them understand why this is so important. Tip: It’s also often most successful to schedule a meeting via calling their legislative assistants directly and asking for one. And if you achieve a meeting, let us know and we are happy to join the meeting in support!