Tuesday, April 16 - Witness Slip Roundup
Actions You Can Take
Fill out these urgent witness slips from She Votes IL
Witness Slip Roundup
Illinois’ unique system of witness slips makes it easy for citizens to weigh in on important bills quickly using an online form. Before a bill is heard in the Illinois General Assembly, the chairperson will read who has submitted witness slips and whether they support or oppose the bill. This helps inform legislators as to where Illinoisans and organizations stand before voting. Witness slips are a great and relatively quick way to make your voice heard in state government.
Here are a few important bills collecting witness slips for hearings this week. See a description of the bills from She Vote IL.
DUE TODAY - Tuesday, April 16
HB4895, School Code Climate Change Education (Proponent) - Provides that every Illinois public high school shall require a unit of instruction addressing climate change in either a required science class or a required social studies class.
HB5406, Student athlete - Practice Limitations (Proponent) - introduces requirements for high school sports programs and teams in Illinois, aimed at ensuring athletes' physical and mental well-being.
HB5417, HIV TLC Act (Proponent) - ensures that everyone gets tested for HIV is a core strategy of the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) plan to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
HB5431, Reproductive Justice for Incarcerated Survivors (Proponent) - Safeguards pregnant people currently incarcerated in Illinois jails and prisons from being shackled during delivery and for six weeks postpartum, establishing humane care and dignity for those expecting while incarcerated.
HB5452, Amends the "Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act" (Proponent) - Higher education institutions must now include in their policies info on how they protect survivors from retaliation. The bill also addresses the issue of defamation actions being used to silence or retaliate against those reporting gender-based violence.
Due Thursday, April 18
HB3596, Crime Victims Compensation (Proponent) - Makes compensation more expansive and comprehensive for gender based violence survivors. Includes a provision to ensure compensation can be granted while incarcerated.
Witness Slip Instructions:
I. IDENTIFICATION: with your information. In the Firm/Business or Agency Box and in the Title Box, identify as "Self."
II. REPRESENTATION: as "Self" (unless you actually are representing an organization)
III. POSITION: select "PROPONENT"
IV. TESTIMONY: select "Record of Appearance Only
Never miss another slip! Join The Witness Slip Project for updates during the legislative session.
Action via She Votes IL
While some of these Daily Actions come from our own work as Indivisible Chicago Alliance, others are from our many partners working to advance the progressive agenda. We invite you to join us in supporting their work. Postings from partners do not imply Indivisible Chicago Alliance endorsement of specific policies and positions.