Welcome to state government. The legislative process is not always simple, but if you care about an issue affecting the automotive hobby, you have the right to be heard.
When a bill moves through the Maryland General Assembly, the public can provide testimony that becomes part of the official legislative record. Testimony can be submitted in one of three ways:
- Written testimony for the record
- In-person testimony in Annapolis
- Virtual testimony via Zoom during committee hearings
Most automotive-related legislation is heard in specific committees. For example, in the House of Delegates, bills impacting vehicles and the hobby are often assigned to the Environment and Transportation Committee.
Step 1: Track the Bill
Once a bill is introduced by a Delegate or Senator, it is assigned:
- A bill number (HBxxx for House Bills or SBxxx for Senate Bills)
- A legislative committee
You can track bills through the Maryland General Assembly website:
- General Assembly homepage:
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/ - Under Legislation:
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Index/house
This is where you will find the bill text, sponsors, committee assignments, and hearing dates.
Step 2: Create a MyMGA Account
To submit testimony, you must register for a MyMGA account.
MyMGA allows you to:
- Submit written testimony
- Sign up for in-person or virtual testimony
- Track bills as they move through the legislative process
Important: Written testimony is usually required to be uploaded as a PDF and must be submitted before a deadline, often one to two days before the scheduled committee hearing.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Testimony
You can testify even if you are not an expert. Clear, respectful, real-world input matters.
Helpful tips:
- Contact your Delegate(s) and Senator. Their office staff can answer questions and help guide you through the process.
- Identify the bill sponsor and consider emailing them to explain your position.
- When emailing sponsors, copy your own Delegate(s) and Senator so they are aware of your concerns.
- Keep testimony factual, concise, and focused on how the bill affects you and the automotive community.
Why Testimony Matters
Providing testimony ensures your perspective is officially recorded and considered before a bill moves forward. While the process can feel intimidating, public input plays a critical role in shaping legislation.
It is not the easiest system to navigate, but if you want your voice on the record, this is how it happens. The MCAA encourages informed, respectful participation to help protect the future of Maryland’s car community.
Watch this video for help on submitting testimony: