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.