Illinois State Senator Karina Villa has championed new legislation aiming to protect minors from the damaging consequences of eviction actions on their records. House Bill 3566, which successfully cleared the Senate, would prevent landlords from naming anyone under 18 as a defendant in eviction cases. Under this proposal, any action improperly filed against a minor would be dismissed and sealed. Furthermore, landlords who intentionally include minors could face penalties, including damages, attorney’s fees, and $1,000 in compensation for the affected child. Villa highlights that even very young children have been impacted and stresses that the law is crucial for breaking cycles of housing instability.
“The careless actions of landlords listing minors in evictions contributes to generational housing instability, affecting marginalized communities the most,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Having an eviction on your record is a scarlet letter and these children are having to deal with the turmoil before they’re given the opportunity to build their history as a tenant.”
“Children as young as 2 years old have been listed in eviction fillings, drastically challenging the ability for these children to find a safe place to live when they become adults,” said Villa. “We must work to protect minors from this practice that limits their ability to access quality and affordable housing.”
