Community guide

How to testify on a Maryland bill

Testimony is public participation in legislation — a committee member actually reads it. This is our practical guide; the official portal is mgaleg.maryland.gov / MyMGA.

1. 1

   Create a MyMGA account

   Testimony is submitted through the Maryland General Assembly's MyMGA portal. You need a free account. Use a personal email you can check for the confirmation link.

   Screenshot placeholder — MyMGA account creation screen. Client to supply.
2. 2

   Find your bill and its hearing

   On mgaleg.maryland.gov, open the bill's page. Look under 'Documents / Hearings' for the committee and date. You can only sign up to testify while the hearing window is open.

   Screenshot placeholder — bill page with hearing details highlighted. Client to supply.
3. 3

   Sign up on MyMGA

   In MyMGA, choose 'Witness Signup'. Pick the chamber, committee, hearing date, and bill number. Select your position: Favorable / Unfavorable / Favorable with Amendments / Informational.

   Screenshot placeholder — MyMGA Witness Signup form. Client to supply.
4. 4

   Choose written and/or oral

   You can submit written testimony, oral testimony, or both. Written testimony is a PDF (2 pages max is a safe convention). Oral testimony is typically capped at two minutes per witness.

   Screenshot placeholder — position and mode selector. Client to supply.
5. 5

   Upload your testimony

   Attach a PDF. Put your name, the bill number, your position, and the committee at the top. Say who you are, why you care, and what you're asking the committee to do. Keep it concrete.

   Screenshot placeholder — PDF upload screen. Client to supply.
6. 6

   Confirm and save the receipt

   After submitting, MyMGA emails a confirmation. Keep it. If you're testifying orally, arrive early — the committee calls witnesses in order and signup slots fill up.

   Screenshot placeholder — confirmation email. Client to supply.