Public Hearing and Work Session Guidelines for Participation

Due to COVID-19 and the fact that the process for testifying and participating through the legislative process this year looks differently the Maine Legislature released guidelines for public participation in the legislative process for both public hearings and work sessions. The guidelines include information about the delivery of public testimony, participation in committee work sessions, and submission of written testimony.

Witnesses must register in advance to testify, as well as indicate their position on the issue under consideration. In addition, it is not clear if committees will cap the number of speakers in any one hearing. It is also strongly encouraged that written testimony be submitted prior to the public hearing.

Also, it appears there will be no front facing testimony options. This means that unless interested parties have access to the internet or a solid telephone connection, providing public input will be limited to online only.

Megan Diver

Megan has worked in Maine politics for more than ten years and all of her professional career, having served in many roles for elected officials (including former Secretary of State Charlie Summers), in-house with the Maine Association of REALTORS®, legislative specialist at Pierce Atwood LLP providing lobbying services and support to Pierce Atwood’s government relations clients and most recently senior government relations specialist at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Megan currently is the Vice President at the Maine Energy Marketers Association, utilizing her vast knowledge and legislative experience at the State House to represent MEMA on policies relating to the Association and its members.