Rights & Action / Testify at a Hearing

Show up. Be on the record.

Public testimony is taken at committee meetings at the Arkansas State Capitol. Hearings, rooms, and agendas come directly from arkleg.state.ar.us.

Step 1

Find the hearing

Committees post agendas the day before (sometimes the morning of). Check often during session.

Step 2

Plan the trip to the Capitol

The Capitol is at 500 Woodlane St., Little Rock. Arrive early — security screening can take 15+ minutes during session.

Step 3

Know the committee

Sign-up procedures vary by committee. Most committees ask people who wish to speak to fill out a card with the clerk before the meeting starts. Confirm with the committee staff in advance.

Testimony guidance

What helps your two minutes land

  • Sign in early. Find the committee clerk and ask how to be added to the speaker list.
  • Keep it short. Most committees give each speaker 2–3 minutes. Lead with your name, city, and the bill number.
  • One story, one ask. Specific lived experience is more persuasive than statistics.
  • Bring written copies. Hand a printout to the committee clerk so your testimony enters the record even if you run out of time.

Can't make it in person?

Submit written testimony instead

Public Comment guide

Written comment is read into the record and is just as official as in-person testimony for most committees.

Open guide