BIG NEWS: The Notice of State Restricted Pesticide Application Act (HB1596) will be heard in the Illinois House TODAY. We must use all the tools in our toolbox to get this one across the House finish line, and witness slips are one of those tools.
Submit a witness slip in support of HB1596 before the bill is heard by the Illinois House next week—even if you’ve submitted one in support before. Whether it’s your first time submitting a witness slip in support of HB1596, or you’re submitting again in support of the recently-amended bill, you’re helping us sound the alarm in Springfield.
HB1596 ensures that schools, childcare centers, and parks near large-scale pesticide applications can opt in to receive advanced notice before spraying occurs—strengthening communication to protect children, staff, and communities from potential pesticide exposure.
IMPORTANT: Only new witness slips will be considered during the hearing. Even if you have already submitted a witness slip for this bill (thank you!), you will need to file a new slip for it to be read next week. Take a few moments to submit a witness slip for HB1596 TODAY!
We’ve been educating lawmakers and negotiating with the opposition. Your voice matters. It takes just a few minutes to tell legislators directly that we must have stronger transparency requirements for pesticide applicators in Illinois.
Help us protect our children from unnecessary pesticide exposure! We all have the right to know when pesticide drift could impact the places we work and play.
** HOW TO SUBMIT A WITNESS SLIP **
[Note: While it is not required for submitting a witness slip, we recommend you create a new login at the new Illinois General Assembly website, if you have not already done so. You’ll be better able to submit, edit, and track your witness slips online. Do that here.]
Submit your witness slip IN SUPPORT of HB1596.
Instructions:
Under Section I—Identification: Enter your address and other information. If you’re filing as an individual, use your home address. If you’re affiliated with an organization but are not authorized to represent it, you might include the information under “firm/business”.
Under Section II—Representation: It is recommended that you enter “self” or “NA”, unless you’re authorized to represent an organization.
Under Section III—Position: Under “Add Legislation”, use the dropdown menu to select “HFA 3”. Under “Add Position”, be sure to select “Proponent”, then click “Add Position”. The position you added will appear to the right.
Under Section IV—Testimony: Click “Record of Appearance Only”.
Check the box to agree to the terms of the ILGA Agreement, check the box to verify you’re human, and click “Submit Witness Slip”. You’re all done!
