Take Action Now: Support Key I/DD Bills by Submitting a Witness Slip  

The deadline for House Bills to move out of committee is Friday, March 27. Several bills supported by the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), which represents community-based providers across Illinois, have been posted for hearings and may be called for a vote at any time through next Friday. 

We are asking advocates to show strong support by submitting online witness slips as a “Proponent.”  

Each slip takes less than two minutes, just about 10 minutes total to show legislators that these bills are a top priority for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and the people who care about them.

Behavioral Health Bills  

While not exclusively focused on I/DD services, behavioral health legislation can be critical for people with developmental disabilities, many of whom experience co-occurring mental health needs or rely on crisis response systems. 

• HB 4448 – Safe Place to Go Act (NEW AS OF 3.24.26)
  • Creates 24-hour crisis stabilization centers to provide immediate, safe support for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency.
• HB 4812 – Housing is Recovery Funding (NEW AS OF 3.24.26)
  • Provides $10 million in rental assistance and support for people with mental health or substance use needs to prevent homelessness.

Broader Safety Net Bills 

These bills strengthen the human services and healthcare systems that support people with disabilities, families and providers. 

• HB 4450 – Workforce Sustainability Act (NEW AS OF 3.24.26)
  • Boosts funding for community providers to ensure fair, living wages and better benefits for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and other frontline workers.

Steps to Complete a Witness Slip as Proponents  

1. Click on each bill link above
2. Name: Your full name
3. Organization: Enter your organization name
4. City / State / Zip: Your business address
5. Representation
   1. Select “Organization” if filing on behalf of your association
   2. Select “Self” if filing as an individual
6. Position
   1. In the “Add Legislation” drop-down, select “Original Bill”
   2. In the “Add Position” drop-down, select “Proponent”
7. Testimony: Select “Record of Appearance Only”
8. Click in the box to “I agree to the ILGA Terms of Agreement
9. Click in the box “I am not a robot.”
10. Click “Submit Witness Slip”

Your advocacy strengthens support for I/DD services and policies, expands workforce capacity and enhances community supports for people with disabilities. 

Thank you for helping advance policies that support our community! Please consider sharing this information with your network to help amplify our advocacy efforts. 

For any questions or assistance filling out witness slips, please reach out to Family Supports and Advocacy Manager Laura Ross at lross@search360.org or call 773-892-8672.