Go to the Capitol, complete a ‘Witness Registration’ (also known as ‘dropping a card’), and attend the hearing as a constituent observer.

At minimum, if you come on-site the day of the hearing before it is over, we ask that you register as a witness at one of the kiosks. Instructions on how to use the kiosks are linked below.  

Yes, they are interchangeable. Both terms refer to the process of officially registering your support or opposition to a specific bill at the Texas Capitol. This action adds your position to the bill’s official record, which follows the bill through the legislative process. Lawmakers can review these records when deciding how to vote.

No, you are not required to speak when registering your support or opposition to a bill. If you’re interested in testifying as a witness, please email [email protected] for more information.

Parking is limited, so the Visitor Parking Garage is recommended. Vehicles with a valid disabled placard or plate can park for free at meters within the Texas Capitol Complex. Look for Accessibility Route markers for ADA-compliant paths to key entrances. Motorized scooters are not permitted on Capitol Grounds. To learn more about the Visitor Parking Garage, click here.

No! You can simply sign in at the Witness Registration kiosk—no need to speak. You're also welcome to step into the hearing room to watch if you’d like. Stay for as little or as long as you prefer. If you're just signing in at the kiosk, the round trip from the parking garage usually takes about 25–45 minutes.

Witness Registration must be completed on the day of the legislative hearing and is only available on-site at the Texas Capitol. You can register using the touch-screen kiosks located on both levels of the Capitol Extension, or by using a personal laptop or tablet connected to the Capitol’s free public WiFi. The bill will generally be available for registering a position 30 minutes to an hour before the committee hearing is scheduled to start, and registration usually closes when public testimony is completed (might vary depending on length of hearing).

THLN is notified just a few business days in advance. We get the information out to our database as soon as possible. 

Each hearing typically covers several bills, which are called in a predetermined order. While the order may change, any adjustments usually happen the day of the hearing. You're welcome to attend and watch—feel free to stay for as long or as little as you'd like.

Casual business attire, including jeans, is acceptable. Wear comfortable, appropriate footwear with good traction. Be sure to read our emails carefully, as we may ask you to wear a specific color or offer merch on-site so THLN attendees can easily spot each other.

Please avoid wearing flip-flops, hats, or clothing with rips, offensive messages, or images.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a friend!

Family and friends are welcome to join you at the Capitol. However, only registered Texas voters can check in at the Witness Registration kiosks. Please note that animals are not permitted inside the Capitol.

For information regarding Service Animals and pets, click here.

No advance preparation is needed—just be sure to arrive before the hearing ends. The bill will generally be available for registering a position 30 minutes to an hour before the committee hearing is scheduled to start, and registration usually closes when public testimony is completed (might vary depending on length of hearing).

You can click this link and enter the address under which you are registered to vote. This will generate a list of your legislators.

There are two ways to complete Witness Registration, both of which take place at the Capitol and its grounds. The Capitol is located at 11th and Congress, at 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701.

Please note: Registration can only be completed at the Capitol, either at the designated kiosks (pictured below) on levels E1/E2 or on your tablet/laptop while connected to the Capitol WiFi.

1. Witness Registration Kiosks

The registration process is paperless. You can complete the new 5-step registration process when you arrive at the Texas Capitol by using one of the touch screen kiosk stations located in the Capitol Extension (pictured below).

• To submit your support, register at the kiosk outside the hearing room!
• After you've submitted your support, feel free to listen to the hearing.

View a video on how to use House Witness Registration here. 

2. Tablet/Laptop Access via Capitol WiFi

You can also access House Witness Registration on your tablet through the capitol's public wireless network.

NOTE: Access to House Witness Registration through a mobile device is optimized for iPad running the most recent version of iOS. Earlier iOS versions or other mobile device platforms are not supported.

Step 1: Log Into Capitol Wifi

• When within network range, tap Settings on your iPad.
• Next, tap the Wi-Fi menu. Public-Capitol should display in the Choose a Network list.
• Tap Public-Capitol to join the network.

Step 2: Go to Witness Registration Page

Once connected to WiFi, open a web browser on your tablet and visit the appropriate Witness Registration page:

• For House bills (HB ##), go to: http://hwrs.house.state.tx.us/
• For Senate bills (SB ##), go to: http://swrs.senate.state.tx.us/

Then, click the “Begin” button at the bottom of the page.

From there, follow these steps:

• STEP 1: SELECT YOUR COMMITTEE HEARING OR SEARCH FOR THE BILL 

You’ll see a page full of committee hearings happening on a specific day, so be sure to click “Select” on the item you’re looking for. 
If you don’t know what committee your bill is being heard in, you can select “Find a Bill.” 

• STEP 2: AGENDA ITEM SELECTION 

Once you find the committee or bill, click the “Register” button next to that item.

A pop-up window will appear to make a selection based on (1) your position on a bill and (2) whether or not you plan to testify. 

Select “Against” if it’s a bill you’re opposing or select “For” if it’s a bill you’re supporting. 

Additionally, be sure to select “Testify” if you plan to speak at the hearing about the bill or select “Not Testify” if you simply want to submit your position on a bill but not speak at the hearing.  

• STEP 2B: CONFIRM YOUR AGENDA ITEM SELECTIONS  

You will now see your stance in the blue button for the particular bill. Select “Next” to continue. 

• STEP 3: PROVIDE CONTACT INFORMATION 

Enter all of your contact information. Select “Next” when completed. 

• STEP 4: STATE YOUR REPRESENTATION 

Unless you have explicit permission to represent an organization, you will select “No." It will ask for your occupation, so simply put whatever title you identify with best (e.g., student, parent, teacher, counselor, etc.). 

• STEP 5: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

Click on the box to acknowledge that all the information you have submitted is correct and that you are the person you say you are, that you are present in the Capitol (referred to as the “Capitol Complex” on the form), and that you electronically approve this form.

If you can’t register your support in person, we encourage you to call the members of the committee and share your position on the bill. Your voice matters, and every call makes a difference for animals across Texas!

You can also leave a public comment in support or opposition of House bills here: https://comments.house.texas.gov/home

For questions specific to visiting the Capitol, please refer to the FAQs here.