Via the Muslim Civic Coalition:
Last week, legislative bills from the Muslim Civic Coalition and our partners/allies passed with majority or unanimous “YES” votes in their first rounds of committee hearings in the Illinois House of Representatives! We need supporters like you to help by submitting witness slips to build on this momentum!
What is a witness slip? Witness slips show a person or group’s position on a particular bill. They are a vital piece of the legislative process because 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 legislators where people stand, allowing informed decisions when voting. Witness slips are a great and relatively quick way to make your voice heard in state government.
How to fill out a witness slip for the bills below:
1. Identification – Fill in your name and contact information
2. Representation/Firm/Agency – Fill in SELF
3. Position – Check the box next to PROPONENT
4. Testimony – Check the box next to RECORD OF APPEARANCE ONLY
5. Check the box agreeing to the ILGA TERMS OF AGREEMENT and then click the CREATE SLIP box
Faith By Plate Act, S.B. 167 | H.B. 3636
The Halal/Kosher bill (HB 3636 / SB 167) ensures state-funded K-12 schools, hospitals, and prisons provide halal/kosher food options upon request. Sponsored by State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid and State Sen. Ram Villivalam with the Muslim Civic Coalition. Witness Slip for H.B. 3636
Faith Behind Bars Act, H.B. 3055
The Prisoner Religious Rights bill (HB 3055) ensures prisoners in state corrections can practice their faith without harm, including access to faith texts, pastoral and spiritual care, weekly faith gatherings, mental health, and other needs. Sponsored by State Rep. Theresa Mah with the Muslim Civic Coalition. Witness Slip for H.B. 3055
Middle Eastern or North African (MENA), H.B. 3768
The MENA bill (HB 3768) ensures those who identify as Middle Eastern or North African are counted in state data by adding a category called Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) to the census. Sponsored by State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid with Arab American Family Services and Arab American Action Network. Witness Slip for H.B. 3768
Health Care Cultural Competency Training for Health Care Professionals, H.B. 2280 | S.B. 2427
The Health Care Cultural Competency bill (HB 2280 / SB 2427) amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires healthcare professionals who have continuing education requirements to complete cultural competency training, which shall include information on sensitivity relating to and best practices for providing affirming care to people. Effective January 1, 2024.Sponsored by State Rep. Dagmara Avelar & State Senator Ram Villivalam with Equality Illinois. Witness Slip for H.B. 2280