SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Karina Villa led a measure through committee to crack down on landlords that may maliciously or ignorantly place a minor on an eviction action, resulting in negative consequences affecting a child’s future ability to rent.

“While eviction is traumatic for families in its own right, including a child in an eviction filing can negatively impact their lives for years to come,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Through no fault of their own, a minor’s record will reflect that eviction. Illinois must protect these innocent people from the careless actions of landlords.”

House Bill 3566 would prohibit minors from be named as defendants in eviction cases. If a minor is improperly named, the action would be dismissed and sealed. In addition, if the landlord deliberately placed a minor on the eviction filing, the minor would be entitled to attorney’s fees, damages and $1,000 in compensation.

According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, eviction numbers in Cook County grew to levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic. These evictions disproportionately affect Black renters, and eviction filings were double for adults with children than those without.

Landlords often run background checks on prospective tenants. A renter who was named in their parent’s eviction case as a minor has a greater possibly of denied an apartment.

“As a community, we must have empathy for those facing a tough situation. Listing minors in an eviction action creates future housing instability and unfair discrimination against a person who had nothing to do with their parent’s eviction,” said Villa. “There is no reason an innocent child should be punished for the alleged actions of a parent, and Illinois must take a stand to protect them.”

House Bill 3566 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.