The Waterbury Times| PARKER JANE PBC CIVIC EDUCATION SERIES|Published Mar 16, 2026

Waterbury- At Parker Jane Public Benefit Corporation, our mission is to promote civic education, local storytelling, and community engagement. One of the most direct ways Connecticut residents influence law is through public hearings.

This guide explains what public hearings are, why they matter, and how you can speak at one, using examples like H.B. 5468 (homeschooling bill), H.B. 5560, and the Starter Home Bill.

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What Is a Public Hearing in Connecticut?

A public hearing is a legislative session where committees invite citizens, experts, and stakeholders to provide testimony on a proposed law. Public hearings are open to the public and ensure community voices are part of the official legislative record.

For example, during the hearing for H.B. 5468, dozens of residents traveled to Hartford to share their perspectives on homeschooling and equivalent instruction. Their testimony was formally recorded and reviewed by legislators before decisions were made.

Public hearings are central to citizen participation, transparency, and informed policymaking.

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Why Public Hearings Matter

• Your Voice Counts: Testimony becomes part of the public record.
• Influence Policy: Legislators review testimony before amending or voting on bills.
• Empower Communities: Sharing personal stories and local impact helps lawmakers make better decisions.

I have personally spoken at two public hearings against H.B. 5560 last year and most recently against the “Starter Home Bill” introduced by Senator Marx, which proposed giving the state more authority over local zoning. Speaking at hearings ensures community perspectives are represented.

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How Public Hearings Work in Connecticut

1. Committee Schedules the Hearing – Each bill is assigned to a committee, which sets a date and time.
2. Formats of Participation – Attend in person in Hartford, virtually via Zoom, or submit written testimony.
3. Registration – To speak live, registration is required in advance. Written testimony can usually be submitted anytime before or during the hearing.
4. Order of Testimony – Committees may determine speaker order randomly or by registration. Each speaker typically has three minutes.
5. Public Record – All testimony is recorded, archived, and accessible to lawmakers, media, and the public.

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How to Speak or Submit Testimony

Oral Testimony

• Introduce yourself:“Good afternoon. My name is ___ from ___, and I am here to [support/oppose/suggest changes to] H.B. ___ because…”
• Be concise, clear, and respectful.
• Personal stories are effective for illustrating community impact.

Written Testimony

• Include your name, town, bill number, and position.
• Written testimony is always part of the legislative record, even if you do not speak live.

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Tips for Effective Testimony

• Be professional and respectful.
• Focus on personal or community impact.
• Keep it concise — aim for 2–3 minutes if speaking live.
• Practice beforehand to stay confident and clear.

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After the Hearing

• Committees may amend, approve, or reject the bill.
• Your testimony remains on the public record.
• Even if a bill passes, your voice contributes to future legislative decisions.

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Examples: Real Connecticut Bills

• H.B. 5468 (Homeschooling Bill): Citizens testified on equivalent instruction and homeschooling rights.

HB 5468 Homeschool Oversight Bill Draws Crowds, Sparks Debate at Hartford Hearing

• H.B. 5560: Testimony highlighted business owner concerns regarding social media marketing
• Starter Home Bill: Addressed state authority over local zoning; testimony brought attention to local impact and resident perspectives.

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Why Public Hearings Matter for Civic Engagement

Participating in a public hearing is one of the most direct ways to exercise your democratic rights in Connecticut. Public hearings allow residents to:

• Influence education policy, zoning laws, and local governance.
• Ensure lawmakers hear real stories from real communities.
• Make government decisions more transparent and accountable.

At Parker Jane Public Benefit Corporation, we believe civic education and public participation are essential to building stronger, informed communities. Understanding public hearings empowers citizens to make their voices heard and contribute to meaningful change.

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✅ Civic Action Takeaways

• Know the bill number and committee handling it.
• Register to speak or submit written testimony.
• Be concise, clear, and respectful.
• Highlight personal experience and community impact.

By participating, you support both democracy in action and the mission of Parker Jane Public Benefit Corporation to strengthen civic engagement.

Related News:

Kimberly Sullivan Case Spurs Connecticut Lawmakers to Consider Homeschooling Oversight