How to File a Witness Slip
 

Witness slips are a vital piece of the legislative process. Before a bill is heard in committee, the chairperson will read who has submitted witness slips and whether they support or oppose the bill. This helps inform me and other legislators as to where Illinoisans and organizations stand, allowing us to make informed decisions when voting. Witness slips are a great and relatively quick way to make your voice heard in state government. Please see directions on how to submit a witness slip below.

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1. The first step is to identify which legislation you are interested in supporting or opposing, then finding out which committee will hear it. You can do that by going to www.ilga.gov and searching for the Senate or House bill.

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2. Once you have determined which committee will consider the legislation, go back to the homepage of www.ilga.gov and click “Legislative Reports” under “Reports and Inquiry” in the middle column.

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3. Click on House or Senate  depending on which type of legislation it is.

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4. Find the bill number you want to do a witness slip for and click on it.

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5. Click on the Witness Slips tab.

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6. If it is accepting Witness Slips click “Create Witness Slip”.

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7. You will be asked to enter your information, the names of the groups or firms you represent and your position (Proponent or Opponent) on the legislation.  Typically individuals will enter "self" for who they are representing.  

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8. The last question asks what type of testimony you’d like to submit. The most common is “Record of Appearance Only,” which means you would like to register your support or opposition. During the hearing, the chairman or chairwoman will read how many people support and oppose a piece of legislation. If you are interested in presenting oral testimony in person at the committee hearing, click "Oral." If you are unable to attend the hearing but would like to submit a written statement, click “Written Statement Filed.” It is your responsibility to get a copy of your written statement to the chairman or chairwoman of that committee.

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9. Once you have completed the required information, click “Create (Slip)” at the bottom of the page.

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