Visual Smoke Alarms (SB 1715) Updated:
Here is new information about the hearing tomorrow (April 7, 2009)
for SB 1715 (Visual Smoke Alarm Bill).
Because this is a Senate hearing, we do not want a lot of testimony.
What you can do to help is sign a witness card that says you are FOR
or AGAINST the bill. Do NOT testify. What happens is that the cards
will be counted and put into the record. The reason why we do not want
a lot of testimony is because the Senate wants to move fast and too
much testimony can stop the bill from passing. But the witness cards
make sure that your voice still gets heard. It will also help to have
a lot of people there to let them know how important this bill is.
Interpreters will be provided for this bill, so this bill will be the
first one heard. That means that it is important that you get there
BEFORE the hearing begins. Witness cards must be filled out and turned
in BEFORE they finish hearing the bill. Once the chair person closes
public testimony, you will not be able to turn in the cards.
The hearing begins at 9:00am in 2E-20 (Senate Business and Commerce
Committee). This is on the second floor of the capital, but to get
there you have to take the steps or elevator in the East Wing of the
Capitol and go to the second floor. Either one you choose to get up
there the room will be to your right at the end of hall to the right
of the big glass doors.
If you need to park, the state visitors parking garage is on the
corner of San Jacinto and 12th street. This is good as when you walk
towards the capital you will already be entering the East wing. The
elevator is to your left. If you are need an accessible entrance it is
the North entrance of the capital. If you enter this way you will need
to go straight into the rotunda and then take a left, which leads you
to the East wing. The elevator is at the end of the hall on the right
hand side.
Faye Kuo
Email: [email protected]