Public comment at committee hearings can be a powerful way to share your personal story or information about why a bill impacts a large or vulnerable section of New Mexico residents. However, the opportunity to have your comment heard depends significantly on the Committee Chair. Some Committee Chairs limit public comment on bills to a certain number for and against, regardless of how much of the public shows up. Some committee chairs limit public comment based on time instead.

Similarly, some committees publish the link to zoom into their meetings on the agenda in advance, and others require an email to the committee Secretary a day in advance to receive the zoom link and make public comment. 

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We don't want to discourage you, however. Even when only a limited number of public speakers is allowed, the chair will often note the number of people signed up to speak for or against, giving committee members an idea of how (and how passionately!) the public feels about the bill being presented. If there is a bill you care deeply about, we encourage you to sign up and be heard, or at least show your support by being present and making the effort. It can't hurt and it is always interesting to see how decisions are made.

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Look up the House Committee Agendas here and the Senate Committee Agendas here.

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The Roundhouse is also unique in that the public has access, and an in-person meeting with your representative or another legislator can be the most influential interaction they might have about an issue. If you want to meet your legislator in person contact us and we will give you some pointers on how to make that happen.

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