Northwest Montana News

When the 2021 Legislature convenes Monday, Jan. 11, Montana residents are expected to voice their opinions greater than ever before. 

“If there is a silver lining to the pandemic, it is the development of remote testimony capability,” Susan Fox, executive director of the Legislative Services Division, said in a press release from the state.

The session will allow state residents to testify without traveling to Helena, but the state will still need to limit the amount of people at the Capitol on Monday. 

While there won't be any restrictions on the amount of in-person involvement, there will be a limited number of seats in the hearing rooms. 

“Legislative staff worked diligently to provide the public with more opportunities than ever to interact with representatives and senators," Fox said in the press release. "New features include an ability to upload written testimony to a committee or request a link to testify remotely at a bill hearing. This is available for any bill that is scheduled for hearing. Testimony must be submitted by noon the day before the hearing to allow dissemination of the information to legislators and others."