The Lincoln Auditorium can accommodate 317 people for today’s hearing on HB 2, the “Add the Words” bill regarding civil rights protections for gays. Teresa Luna, director of the state Department of Administration, said overflow rooms are being opened in Senate hearing rooms WW 55, WW 54 and WW 17, and if those fill up, additional rooms at the House end of the Capitol’s garden level. WW 55 and 54 can each hold 150 people; WW 17 can hold about 50.

Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, the bill’s lead sponsor, said, “If there was any doubt that people wanted the chance to talk on this, I guess it’s dispelled.” The hearing also is being streamed live online here.