Register to Use the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak (RTS) System
What is the Request to Speak system?
The Request To Speak (RTS) system is a website that allows the public to register opinions and voice comments on bills as they pass through the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives. This process used to take place in handwriting, on small slips of paper. Now, the RTS system allows you to voice your legislative opinions online, and from your home or office – without needing to go to the Capitol.
How does the RTS system work?
When the House or Senate is in session, your legislators, and the public, will see a list of names of people who have registered an opinion on the bills being heard by the legislature. The website will also show who they are representing, comments they may leave in the comment box, and whether or not they wish to speak. This information can give legislators, and the public, a clear idea of how much support or opposition there is for a bill.
The RTS system also allows you to choose whether or not you would like to speak to the legislature in person, at the Capitol building, before a vote takes place.
How do I use the RTS system?
You MUST come to the Capitol the first time you use the RTS system. When you arrive at the Capitol, a staff member can help you create an account and sign in on one of the kiosks in either the House or Senate. (There is also a kiosk available in the Tucson office.)
Can’t make it to the Capitol? Have Ability360 register for you!
Email advocacy@ability360.org and let our advocacy team know that you need assistance.
Once your account has been registered…
You can use the RTS system to log in from any device with an internet connection to indicate your support or opposition to bills being heard in the legislature. Here’s how:
- Click here to visit the RTS system’s sign-in page.
- Sign in using the email address and password associated with your account.
- Click on “Request to Speak” and then “New Request.”
- Choose the bill you wish to comment on. You may choose to simply indicate that you support or oppose the bill, or you may leave more detailed comments.
During the legislative session, our Empower! Advocacy listserv will send out details on Ability360’s position on bills and provide additional directions in order for you to indicate your support or opposition.
If I use RTS, do I have to speak at the legislature?
Absolutely not! Although the name suggests otherwise, using the RTS system does not mean you actually have to speak in support or opposition for a bill in a legislative hearing (although, you may, if you would like).
Signing up for RTS is a simple process that will allow you to respond to Ability360’s Action Alerts quickly and easily. Register down at the Capitol today, or let the Ability360 advocacy team know that you need assistance!