The first hour of every hearing is usually devoted to government officials and legislators who want to give testimony. Individuals giving public testimony are usually restricted to 3 minutes, but legislators may ask questions. Depending on the subject matter, journalists are often present and may request a copy of your testimony or an interview. Public hearings can sometimes drag on for hours, but they are an important part of the legislative process. If you feel strongly for or against proposed legislation, it is your duty as a citizen to express you opinion to those elected to represent you.
Public testimony is one of the best ways to do so.
Introduced by multiple P.H. members and others. This change will begin April 2002. Other initiatives failed. Includes right to sue, reduction in costs of prescription drugs, increase ConnPACE, use some tobacco money for access to health care services. See above for ConnPACE expansion.