Missouri Legislative Session: A New Beginning and a Call to Action
By Jodi Grace, Chief of Staff for Senator Nicola
The first two weeks of Missouri’s legislative session have come and gone in the blink of an eye, and what an exciting whirlwind it’s been! As the Chief of Staff for Senator Nicola, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a talented and passionate team to get the Senator’s office up and running. Between setting up systems, meeting with constituents, and getting the lay of the land here at the Capitol, there’s been a lot of hustle and bustle. But now, with the ceremonial events behind us, it’s time to focus on the real work of the session.
The Inauguration, the swearing-in ceremony for our legislators, receptions, and the inaugural ball were such special moments—moments I’ll always treasure. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces—friends, family, supporters—and to be a part of the monumental occasion as we kicked off this legislative session. We celebrated the power of democracy, the hard work that led us to this point, and the opportunity to serve the people of Missouri. It was a time of joy, excitement, and community.
But now, as we move past those celebrations, it’s time to get to work. The Capitol is buzzing with the energy of the legislative process, and it’s both exciting and demanding. With our committees set to begin meeting this week, it’s an important time for Missouri’s citizens to get involved, stay informed, and have their voices heard.
inspiring, Educating, & Empowering Action
One of the core goals here at JodiGrace is to inspire, educate, and empower the people of Missouri to be responsible and engaged citizens—particularly within the legislative process. Whether you’re a long-time advocate or someone who’s just starting to learn about how laws are made, we want to equip you with the tools and information you need to be an active part of the process.
For many, understanding how the legislative process works can feel daunting. How do you track a bill? What does it mean to “testify” on a bill? How can you make sure your voice is heard? These are questions we’ll be addressing here in the coming weeks, with the goal of making the legislative process more accessible and understandable for all Missourians.
Your Opportunity to Testify
One of the most direct ways you can get involved is through testifying on bills that matter to you. If you feel strongly about a bill being discussed in either the Missouri House or Senate, you can actually testify before the committees that are reviewing the bill. And yes—any citizen has the right to testify on any bill. It’s one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard and to help shape the laws that impact your community, your family, and your future.
Now, there are a few differences between how the House and Senate handle testimony. In the House, you can submit testimony online by filling out a testimony form on the House website. However, while online testimony is allowed, it’s always preferable—and often more impactful—if you testify in person.
In the Senate, on the other hand, you can’t submit online testimony. You must be physically present in the hearing room to testify. But don’t let that discourage you! Testifying in person gives you the opportunity to directly engage with the committee members and share your thoughts in a personal way.
How to Testify
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the testimony process works in both the House and Senate:
- Show up at the designated time and place – Be sure to check the committee schedule ahead of time. The dates, times, and locations of committee hearings are published on the official House and Senate websites.
- Fill out the witness form – Once you arrive at the hearing room, there will be a witness desk where you can fill out a witness form. This form is your official sign-in to testify.
- Share your thoughts respectfully – When it’s your turn to testify, you’ll be called forward to share your position on the bill. Be sure to speak clearly and respectfully, and be prepared to answer any questions from the committee members.
A few important tips:
- Be respectful: While committee members may ask you questions, keep in mind that witnesses are not allowed to ask questions of the committee.
- Stay on topic: Keep your testimony focused on the bill being discussed.
You can find the House committee schedules here and the Senate schedule here. Check these pages often, as hearings can be scheduled or changed throughout the session.
Why Your Voice Matters
I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay engaged throughout the legislative session. Whether it’s testifying on bills, contacting your elected officials, or simply staying informed about what’s happening, you have the power to influence the direction of our state.
The heart of democracy is the active participation of its citizens. As we move forward with this legislative session, I encourage you to take the opportunity to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas with those of us who are here to serve you. We want to hear from you, and we want to make sure your voice is part of the conversation.
Remember: the legislative process isn’t just for politicians or lobbyists. It’s for every citizen who wants to help shape the laws and policies that impact our lives. Whether you’re passionate about education, healthcare, the economy, or any other issue, your voice can make a difference.
Stay tuned here at JodiGrace.com as we continue to break down the legislative process, explain how to track bills, and help you engage in ways that matter.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact and move Missouri forward, with faith, hope, and the power of an engaged community.
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