Update: Thank you for taking action! All three bills passed through committee.

The Illinois legislature is returning to Springfield today for what promises to be a very busy week. Three of the major initiatives being advanced by the ACLU of Illinois this year – dealing with voting rights, data collection of traffic stops and net neutrality – will be in different Committees this week.

We need your help. 

A few years ago, the General Assembly created a process for individuals to be able to file witness slips when individual bills appear before a Committee, allowing all people in Illinois to make our collective voices heard. We are hoping that you can take a few minutes to fill out a witness slip for these three proposals. 

INSTRUCTIONS ON FILING A WITNESS SLIP

SB 3415 – Data Collection of Traffic Stops:

Senate Bill 3415 continues the practice of collecting data about traffic stops in Illinois, creating an early warning sign of any bias in policing. This measure – in place for more than a decade – was first championed by then-State Senator Barack Obama.   The bill will be heard Tuesday afternoon – you can file a witness slip in favor of the bill now. You can read more about that bill here.

SB 3415 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday, April 10th at 5:00 pm. 

If possible, please file a witness slip in support of SB 3415 by the morning of April 10th.  You can slip in support of SB 3415 here. 
Use the “legislation only” instructions to file a witness slip for this bill.

 

HB 4819 – Net Neutrality:

House Bill 4819 protects net neutrality in Illinois, keeping our internet open and free.  This measure was necessitated after the Federal Communications Commission voted to end net neutrality. This bill attempts to protect consumers and free speech in Illinois. If you are looking for more information on the bill, you can read about it on our website here

HB 4819 is scheduled to be heard in the House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, & IT Committee on Wednesday, April 11th at 12pm. 

If possible, please file a witness slip in support of HB 4819 by close of business April 10th.  You can slip in support of HB 4819 here. 
Use the “legislation only” instructions to file a witness slip for this bill.

 

HB 4469 – Voting Rights:

House Bill 4469 recognizes that everyone who has the right to vote should know about that right.  The bill provides that counties will ensure that eligible voters being held pre-detention in jail will be given access to the ballot. And, the bill also assures that those leaving Illinois’ prisons will get information about how they can restore their voting status. You can read more about our work on this bill here.

HB 4469 is scheduled to be heard in the Elections & Campaign Finance Committee on Wednesday, April 11th at 12pm. 

Please file a witness slip in support of HB 4469 by close of business April 10th. You can slip in support of HB 4469 – House Amendment #2 here.
Use the “legislation only” instructions to file a witness slip for this bill.