Jonah Patel
Public hearings are typically held by local or state governments, government agencies, or organisations when they are making decisions on a course of action, such as a law or plan for construction. They are intended to obtain public input and comment on important legislative policy matters that affect a wide range of citizens, such as land use plans, tax rates, or major development projects. A public hearing can be organised to bring attention to an issue or proposal, and they can be called on open topics or held on pre-drafted legislation. They are conducted openly, allowing citizens to witness the decision-making process and understand the issues being discussed.
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What You'll Learn
When to hold a public hearing
A public hearing is typically held when a government, government agency, or organisation is making a decision on a course of action, such as a law or plan for construction. They are usually held to gather public opinions and concerns on political issues before a decision is made or action is taken.
Public hearings can be a great way to attract attention to a cause or campaign and to hear from different viewpoints. They can also be used to bring attention to an issue or proposal that your organisation is involved in. For example, at the beginning of an initiative or when your issue is receiving a lot of public attention. It is important to note that these events should not be held too often, as this can dilute their impact and tarnish the credibility of your group. Generally, you will need about a month to plan and promote a public hearing.
Public hearings are obligatory when due process is required or when a specific statute or local regulation requires one. Local governments may also hold a public hearing when they desire public input on a sensitive or controversial policy issue. They are frequently convened when there are contentious issues that may involve the due process rights of private parties.
Legislative public hearings are generally subject to fewer procedural requirements than quasi-judicial public hearings. Quasi-judicial hearings involve the legal rights of specific, identifiable parties, such as the consideration of land-use variances or permits. Decisions made as a result of quasi-judicial hearings must be supported by the "record" developed during the hearing.
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Who can call for a public hearing
Public hearings are typically called by local or state/regional governments and government agencies. However, they can also be organised by non-governmental, civil society organisations at the local, regional, or international level. In the US, for example, public hearings have been held at the national level on broad topics such as mental health and missing indigenous women.
Public hearings are often held when a government, government agency, or organisation is making a decision on a course of action, such as a law or plan for construction. They are also held to obtain public input on important legislative policy matters that affect a wide range of citizens, such as comprehensive land use plans or the annual budget.
Public hearings can be called by a city commission, as seen in the example of a coalition working to establish a sales tax increase to raise funds for youth programs. The city commission called for a public hearing on the matter, and a referendum was sent to voters the following month.
In some cases, public hearings may be obligatory when due process is required or when a specific statute or local regulation requires one. Local governments may also hold public hearings when they desire public input on a sensitive or controversial policy issue. For instance, a city, county, or state government might decide that a public hearing should be held on a particular issue, such as a utility rate increase, and then ask for participation.
Additionally, organisations or initiatives can sometimes put together their own public hearings to bring attention to an issue or proposal they are involved in. This can occur at the start of an initiative or when an issue is receiving a lot of public attention.
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The purpose of a public hearing
Public hearings are a way to gather public opinions and concerns on political issues before a legislature, agency, or organization makes a decision or takes action. They are typically held by local or state/regional governments and government agencies but may also be organized by non-governmental, civil society organizations.
Public hearings are usually convened when a government, government agency, or organization is making a decision on a course of action, such as a law or plan for construction. They are also held when a specific statute or local regulation requires one, or when due process is required. For example, when changes to zoning ordinances, land use plans, tax rates, or major development projects are under consideration.
Public hearings can be used to bring attention to an issue or proposal that an organization or initiative is involved in. They can also be used to present an alternative viewpoint when the opposition is garnering a lot of attention. Public hearings lend an aura of authority and credibility to the group that convenes them. They are also a way to get key facts before the public and the media, build community support, and gain recognition.
Public hearings are conducted openly, allowing citizens to witness the decision-making process and understand the issues being discussed. They are subject to legal requirements and procedural rules to ensure they are conducted fairly. The input and feedback gathered during public hearings can influence or inform the final decision or outcome of the discussion.
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Legal requirements for public hearings
Public hearings are typically held by local or state governments, government agencies, or organizations when they are making a decision on a course of action, such as a law or plan for construction. They are intended to obtain public testimony or comments before significant decisions are made.
Public hearings are obligatory when due process is required, or when a specific statute or local regulation requires one. Local governments may also hold public hearings when they desire public input on a sensitive or controversial policy issue. There are two types of public hearings: legislative and quasi-judicial. Legislative hearings generally affect a large segment of the public, such as comprehensive land use plans or the annual budget. Quasi-judicial hearings, on the other hand, involve the legal rights of specific, identifiable parties, such as land-use variances or permits. Due to the involvement of due process rights, quasi-judicial hearings have stricter procedural requirements.
While state statutes do not specify how public hearings should be conducted, the decision-making body should establish clear ground rules for the hearing's conduct. These rules should be announced at the start of the hearing and printed copies can be distributed for additional clarity. Additionally, the agency holding the hearing must notify all parties that are interested in and affected by the outcome of the decision.
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How to conduct a public hearing
Public hearings are typically held by local or state/regional governments, government agencies, or organisations when they are making a decision on a course of action, such as a law or plan for construction. They are intended to obtain public input and opinion on important matters that affect a wide range of citizens.
Public hearings can be organised to bring attention to an issue or proposal, and they can be a great way to attract attention to a cause or to hear from multiple different viewpoints. They can be tied to a current event or held when an issue is receiving a lot of public attention. It is important to note that public hearings should not be held too often, as this can dilute their impact and lessen their aura of authority.
Before the hearing, it is important to plan and get the word out. The agency holding the hearing should notify all interested and affected parties. The hearing is then open to the public, with self-selected participants and representatives from the relevant agency or organisation. Experts may also be present to provide information and answer questions. A moderator is often present to ensure speakers stick to their allotted time.
The structure of the hearing may vary, but it typically begins with statements and presentations from officials, followed by a Q&A session and public comments. Participants usually approach a microphone or podium to speak, facing the officials.
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Frequently asked questions
A public hearing is a formal meeting convened by a government agency or legislative body, such as a city council, to provide an opportunity for members of the public to express their views, opinions, and concerns on a specific issue or proposed action.
Public hearings are held to gather public opinions and concerns on political issues before a decision is made or action is taken. They are also held when due process is required or when a specific statute or local regulation demands one.
During a public hearing, citizens are allowed to offer comments and ask questions. Officials are not obliged to act on the comments or respond publicly. The input and feedback gathered during public hearings can influence or inform the final decision or outcome of the discussion.
