WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3370

DOM VIOLENCE EMERG PETITION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Camille Lilly and 1 co-sponsor

Protects DV survivors by keeping emergency petitions confidential until served or an appearance is filed, and pilots electronic filing/remote orders to ease access.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3370

Summary — HB 3370 (2025) — Domestic Violence: Emergency Petition Confidentiality & Electronic Access

Bill: HB 3370 (Rep. Joyce Mason) — amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 (750 ILCS 60/202)
Companion: SB 1412
Signed by Governor: June 20, 2025 — Effective: January 1, 2026

Purpose / Intent

HB 3370 strengthens privacy protections for survivors seeking emergency orders of protection and expands the use of electronic filing and remote (audio‑visual) procedures for temporary orders of protection. The bill aims to reduce risk to petitioners who might be endangered by premature public disclosure and to increase access to emergency relief for people unable to appear in person.

Key provisions

  • Confidentiality of emergency petitions

    • When a petition for an emergency (ex parte) order of protection is filed, the petition is not to be made public until either:
    • the petition has been served on the respondent; or
    • the respondent (or respondent’s counsel) has filed an appearance and waived service.
    • Early access to the petition before service is governed by the Court Record and Document Accessibility Act.

  • Electronic filing and remote issuance pilot

    • Explicitly allows petitions for orders of protection to be filed in person or online.
    • Authorizes the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, with the administrative board’s approval, to adopt rules and implement a pilot program permitting electronic filing of temporary orders and issuance of such orders by audio‑visual means.
    • Pilot program requirements (planning/consultation): identify agencies with AV/e‑filing capability, identify organizations trained to assist petitioners, set procedures for electronic filing, swearing of witnesses, transcripts, notice to parties, implementation timeline, public outreach, and data collection for program evaluation.
    • Electronic appearances allowed for ex parte temporary orders when petitioner shows that travel/appearance would be an undue hardship or pose a risk of harm.

  • Fees, pro se assistance, and procedural rules

    • No fees for filing, certification, photocopying, issuing alias summons, or sheriff service in actions under this section.
    • Courts must provide clerical assistance and simplified forms for pro se petitioners; assistance may also be provided by the State’s Attorney.
    • Clarifies consolidation/dismissal rules: dismissal or acquittal in a related criminal or civil case does not automatically dismiss a conjoined protection action; existing protection orders retain validity.

Who is affected

  • Petitioners (domestic violence survivors): greater confidentiality and expanded remote access to emergency relief.
  • Respondents: limited public access to unserved emergency petitions until service or appearance.
  • Courts, clerks, sheriffs, and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts: new responsibilities for handling confidential records, implementing pilot programs, procedures for e‑filing/remote hearings, and data collection.
  • Victim service organizations and legal aid providers: role in assisting electronic filings and remote appearances.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Improves safety and access for victims who cannot safely appear in court.
  • Reduces early public exposure of sensitive petitions, which could lower risk of retaliation or stalking.
  • Requires investment in court technology, training, and coordination with victim‑assistance organizations.
  • Balances public‑record transparency with survivor safety; application and administration will be shaped by rules developed under the pilot program.

For statute reference: amendment to 750 ILCS 60/202 (Section 202 of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.