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Make Your Voice Heard on Legislation
Before elected officials vote on proposed legislation, each bill must go through a committee. In that process, committee members may question bill sponsors and advocates about the bill. To provide more opportunity for constituents to be heard in this process – particularly if their elected official is not part of the committee – individuals may submit a “witness slip”.
This page outlines basic how-to steps and links for submitting a witness slip on a bill that is of interest to you. You may submit in favor of a bill, or in opposition.
Public engagement is critical to this legislative process, and IDHR invites advocates and constituents to follow the steps below.
How to Submit a Witness Slip:
- Find the Bill: Visit the Illinois General Assembly website ilga.gov
- Locate the Hearing:
- Navigate to "Senate Schedules” then select the appropriate committee hearing.
- Create the Slip:
- Click on "Details" for the Senate Judiciary hearing, then click the + icon (or "Create Witness Slip") next to the bill number.
- Fill Out Information:
- Enter your personal information. If you are representing yourself, enter "Self" in the firm/business and representation fields.
- Select Position:
- In the "Subject Matter" section, select Proponent to support the bill.
- Testimony:
- Select "Record of Appearance" (this means you support but are not speaking in person).
- Submit:
- Agree to the terms and click "Create" or "Submit" to enter your slip into the official record.