The Illinois General Assembly has launched a major update to its website, www.ilga.gov, marking the most significant redesign in nearly two decades.

While the new layout is more modern and mobile-friendly, it also comes with some changes that may affect how constituents engage with the legislative process.

One of the most important tools available to the public is the witness slip, which allows individuals to express support or opposition to specific bills being heard in committee. If you want your opinion on a bill officially recorded, understanding the new process is essential.

Here is a quick guide to filing a witness slip under the new system:

1. Go to www.ilga.gov
2. Navigate to either the Senate Schedules or the House Schedules
3. Under Hearing Schedules, select the Today, Week, or Month tab
4. Click on Details for the hearing you’re interested in
5. Select Create Witness Slip
6. Fill out the required fields and submit

Senate Republicans have also put together a short video walkthrough to help guide you through the new process. You can watch that video here.

Submitting a witness slip is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your voice heard in Springfield. Whether you are supporting a bill that impacts your community or speaking out against a proposal you believe would cause harm, your input matters.

Witness slips can only be filed when a bill is assigned to be heard in a committee.