Be An Advocate

Keeping on Top of Legislation

It is important to keep track of legislation as it moves through the process. This can be difficult and confusing unless a few simple steps are taken:

• Make sure that you receive a copy of legislative bulletins and materials sent to you personally or to your organization by state and national organizations.
   
• When contacting your legislator regarding a bill you are interested in, ask that his or her office keep you informed of hearings and other developments.
   
• Ask the committee chairperson or staff to keep you informed of hearings or other activity on the bill.
   
• Watch for newspaper articles and schedules of committee hearings.
   
• Call the legislative information office for bill status and pertinent phone numbers for the legislative body.
   
• Obtain the daily and weekly status publications published by most legislatures when they are in session.
   
• Check for web site access to this information from your state legislature.
   
• Participate in legislative networks as a part of RRCNA and other organizations.

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