PO Box 844
Boise, Idaho 83701
208.345.6933
Fax 208.344.0344
icl@wildidaho.org
Questions and Tips About the Legislature
- When does the Idaho Legislature meet?
- Can I make a difference as just one voice?
- How do I get involved?
- How do I find out who represents me?
- Is it hard to lobby legislators?
- How do I know specifically which bills are debated, and when?
- Can I bring information for committee members?
- What kind of information should I present?
- What is the process for testifying before a committee?
- How do you answer questions from the committee?
- How do you respond to a question to which you don't know the answer?
- How should I prepare to meet with a legislator?
- What should I do during the visit?
- What do I do after the visit?
When does the Idaho Legislature meet?
The Idaho Legislature meets every year. The State-of-the-State Address kicks off the Legislature in early January. The Budget Address follows that week. It commonly lasts 70-100 days.
Can I make a difference as just one voice?
Yes! Legislators listen when voters voice their opinions. ICL can help you be even more effective.
How do I get involved?
Call, write or e-mail elected officials who represent your district. You can contact the Governor. You can speak to your legislators in person at the capitol or in your district. Speak out in committee hearings.
How do I find out who represents me?
Visit the state legislative web site to find out.
Is it hard to lobby legislators?
No! You simply speak your mind about a given bill. It is that simple.
How do I know specifically which bills are debated, and when?
Call the Legislature's information center at (208) 332-1000 or go to the legislative web site. The legislative web site has a map of Legislative Districts and includes daily updates of the committee hearings. This site also includes text of all current bills.
For information about the hearing schedule for key bills that we are following, please contact Courtney Washburn.
Can I bring information for committee members?
Yes. Simply ask the committee secretary to distribute handouts before the meeting. Bring adequate copies, but be brief.
What kind of information should I present?
Your personal experiences, knowledge, concerns or support are your greatest tools. You alone are best able to represent your own interests. Testifying, or writing a letter, about an issue you care about provides you an opportunity to have an impact. Legislators really want to hear from everyday Idahoans.
When giving legislators information, present them with personalized, credible information.
What is the process for testifying before a committee?
If you are interested in testifying before a committee, please contact us. We can help you with scheduling, understanding the committee that you will be testifying to and help you develop what you want to say.
Then show up at the appointed time and sign in and check the box to signify that you wish to testify. When called on, go to the lectern or assigned position, address the chair by title and last name, then acknowledge the remaining legislators, e.g. "Chairman Smith and members of the Committee." Identify yourself, whom you represent and your relevant credentials. Deliver the facts and arguments in order of importance. If you refer to the bill, do so in the same order the paragraphs are contained in the bill. Be brief and to the point.
How do you answer questions from the committee?
In responding to questions, first acknowledge the committee chair and then the legislator asking the questions, e.g. "Chairman Smith (she will acknowledge you), Senator (Representative) Smith."
How do you respond to a question to which you don't know the answer?
Dont bluff. Say "I don't know" but that you will try to find the answer and get back to them. Then follow-up.
Also, you can 1) ask one of your colleagues to answer it if you think that they may have the answer, or 2) say you do not know but that you will try to find the answer and get back to them. Saying "I don't know" is just fine and much better than a guess.
How should I prepare to meet with a legislator?
Know their position, how or if they have helped on our issues in the past, and how they are positioned to help this year (what key committees are they on). Rehearse what you want to say. If there is more than one person in your meeting, plan who is to say what. Have a clear statement, as in, "Please vote for this bill."
What should I do during the visit?
Be open and friendly. Be concise. Pay close attention. Get a commitment. Thank them for their time.
What do I do after the visit?
Debrief and share notes with your colleagues. Follow up on tasks: send thank you letters and any other follow up information that was offered or requested.