Witness Slips
Making your voice heard is a vital piece of the legislative process.
Take Action: Submit a Witness Slip
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As a member of the League, from time to time, you’ll be asked to submit a Witness Slip related to a key piece of legislation in Springfield.
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What is a Witness Slip?
Witness slips are a vital piece of the legislative process. The only time that public opinion is incorporated into the Illinois Senate or House’s decision-making is during committee hearings. when public testimony on a particular piece of legislation is allowed. Testimony can be submitted by citizens via the internet through Witness Slips. These are considered official state documentation.
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During the hearing, the committee chairman reads the list of witnesses who have filed slips for or against a proposal. This helps inform legislators as to where Illinoisans and organizations stand.
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When Do You File a Witness Slip?
A Witness Slip can be filed for any bill scheduled for a hearing in an Illinois Senate or House Committee, during the week prior to the hearing taking place.
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How Do You File a Witness Slip?
Here’s a video that talks about Witness Slips and how to submit one. The actual process for filling out a Witness Slip starts at 1:00 on the video. Note: The League will send you the link to the Witness Slip for the specific piece of legislation.
Witness Slip Tally
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If you want to see how the witness slips are tallying...
1. Go to https://www.ilga.gov
2. In the "Search by Number" field
in the center of the left column (see screenshot below), enter the Bill number.
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3. On the next screen, select Witness Slips at the top left. On the next screen, you'll see tally of Proponents and Opponents.
Take Action: Contact Your Elected Representatives
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You may be asked to contact your elected officials and ask for their support or opposition to legislation.
Make your voice heard; it just takes a minute.
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Call or email your elected officials.