Voting is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exercising our rights as citizens and ensuring that government works for us rather than the other way around.
Understanding the legislative process
This isn’t rocket science, but you do have to be a persistent detective because much of what legislators do is done to avoid any kind of accountability (unless they’re bringing home the bacon, in which case they take credit for it until someone complains about the debt or some other negative consequences, then it’s someone else’s fault).
It’s very difficult to influence the legislative process because the window to draft bills is very tight. The entire process is extremely political and legislators insulate themselves from influence (and responsibility) with a myriad of rules on when and how bills are introduced, how many they can introduce, whether and how amendments can be added, etc., etc.
Here’s the basic process (generic version by LegiScan):
- Drafting – someone decides to write a bill
- Introduction – the bill is registered by the chamber clerk
- First Reading & Second Reading – usually not actually read on the floor, but they present a synopsis and maybe initial discussion, and then refer it to one or more committees
- Committees – debate and modify the bill; can completely rewrite the bill or kill it; if passed, it goes to Second Reading (then Third)
- Passage Vote for Engrossment – after Third Reading, the bill is put to vote in the originating chamber; if passed, it’s considered “engrossed” and then goes to other chamber
- Passage Vote for Enrollment – once engrossed, the bill is introduced in the other chamber and the process repeats until passed; then it’s considered “enrolled”
- Sent to Governor – enrolled bill goes to governor for ceremonial signing (or veto)
Here’s a flowchart for a bill originating in the Florida House: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/data/civics/house_idealaw.pdf
Here’s the Florida Senate version: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/data/civics/senate_idealaw.pdf
This is purely theoretical because legislatures always bend and change the rules the suit their purposes. The rules mainly exist to give them easy excuses to not do things constituents want them to do. Frequently, legislators write bills in secret, then they’re introduced and voted on with no debate or amendments.
Understanding the process is just the beginning of the challenge. Reading the bills themselves is also difficult because they’re written by committee (as in a group of people, not a formal legislative committee), usually full of lawyers representing people who purposely don’t want people to know what’s going on, especially when the bills are essentially designed to throw benefits to friends and donors. The worst is a bill that makes changes to existing statutes because the bill list additions, deletions, or amendments to the text of existing statutes without explaining the intent of the change and usually in multiple statutes at once so you can’t figure out what’s actually being done. If this sound cynical, hold your judgement until you’ve read a couple bills for yourself.
Keeping track of legislation is made simpler with online tools like LegiScan. That’s a free web-based tool that allows you to look at bills as soon as they are introduced.
Useful links:
Bill tracking: https://legiscan.com/FL/legislation
FL Info: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Info_Center/index.cfm?Tab=info_center&submenu=-1
FL House: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/bills.aspx
FL Senate: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bills/2022
FL “C-SPAN”: https://thefloridachannel.org/
How to Testify Before a Legislative Committee
In-person appearances are much easier and more powerful than you think. When speaking before a committee you can be sure you are speaking directly to the elected officials making the decisions. Phone calls and emails are great but, you can never be sure they get to the elected official. And since so few people speak at hearings, this act also amplifies its value.
Most of the time comments will be limited to 2 or 3 minutes. Law makers are not looking for a speech but rather a concise executive summary of your thought. Brief is better. Do not be surprised if the time changes and do not feel compelled to use the entire time allotted.
Public comments are generally allowed for each agenda item. Speak only to the topic on the floor being discussed. Depending on the legislative body there may also be an open comment period when you can speak on any topic at the end of the meeting or a specific time during the meeting. These should be noted on the agenda.
Comments are a chance for the legislative body to get input from citizens. This is not a discussion. For a back-and-forth with an elected official, set an appointment and sit down with them face to face.
Handouts and materials are fine but should also be clear and concise. Wait to hand them out until after you are done speaking. If you provide those at the beginning, officials may try to read them while you are speaking and not listen to you. Highlight your points within the materials reinforcing your statement. Be sure to include your contact information.
DO:
- Introduce yourself
- Speak clear and directly into the microphone
- Dress appropriately
- Address the Chair of the body only or the body as a whole
- Be direct and to the point
- Write down your thoughts
DON’T:
- Be argumentative
- Ask questions, just make points
- Overthink it
- Bring unnecessary props or gimmicks
- Try for the gotcha moment
Becoming a Delegate
Delegates have a say in who a political party will support in critically important statewide races as well as help determine the rules and platform of the party. Now more than ever, we need strong conservatives to help steer the Republican Party towards — not away — from these principles
Running for Office
Courses and endless material have been written on running for office but nothing is more important than being prepared. The higher the office the more preparation required. Plan to be campaigning a minimum of a year in advance. Start by going to the meetings and learn the topics. Learn the flow and the people involved in the current process.
“No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions … Government is instituted to protect property of every sort … That being the end of government, that alone is a just government, which impartially secures to every man, whatever is his own.”
JAMES MADISON
“Property,” National Gazette, March 27, 1792