EVICTION MORATORIUM

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mike Simmons-Gessesse

SB 3477 creates a temporary eviction moratorium restricting filings and actions during specified emergencies to protect tenants.

Referred to Assignments

Summary of SB 3477 (104th Illinois General Assembly) — Eviction Moratorium

Purpose and Intent

The bill is titled “Eviction Moratorium” and aims to regulate the timing and conditions under which eviction proceedings may proceed in Illinois.

The sponsor is Senator Mike Simmons, with co-sponsor Senator Simmons-Gessesse. The bill was filed on February 5, 2026, and referred to Assignments the same day.

Key Provisions and Changes

The bill establishes a moratorium framework that restricts eviction actions under specified circumstances, intended to provide tenants temporary protection from eviction.

While the exact text is not provided here, typical elements of an eviction moratorium bill of this nature include:

Prohibiting eviction filings or execution of evictions during a designated emergency or crisis period (e.g., public health emergencies, natural disasters, or declared states of emergency).
Requiring landlords to provide written notices or meet certain conditions before seeking eviction.
Allowing limited exceptions (e.g., nonpayment of rent while tenants are noncompliant with program conditions, or cases involving illegal activity or threats to safety).
Establishing penalties or remedies for violations of the moratorium provisions.

The bill may also delineate timelines for when eviction protections begin and end, specify eligible tenants or circumstances, and outline enforcement mechanisms (e.g., role of courts, housing agencies, or state/municipal authorities).

Who Would Be Affected

Tenants housing in Illinois properties subject to eviction proceedings.

Landlords and property managers seeking to enforce eviction actions.

Local housing authorities, courthouses, and state agencies involved in housing, tenant protections, and enforcement.

Stakeholders in rental housing markets, including those receiving public housing subsidies or rental assistance programs, if referenced in the text.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The act was filed on February 5, 2026, with initial readings and referral to Assignments.

As a proposed statute, it would follow the standard legislative process in Illinois: potential committee consideration, amendments, floor votes, and potential passage to the governor for signature or veto.

The specific duration of the moratorium, any renewal or sunset provisions, and effective dates would be defined in the bill text.

Practical Implications

If enacted, the moratorium could provide temporary stabilization for tenants during crises, potentially reducing displacement and homelessness in the short term.

Landlords would need to adjust eviction timelines and ensure compliance with the moratorium’s requirements to avoid legal penalties.

The balance between tenant protections and property owners’ rights would hinge on the bill’s defined exceptions, enforcement, and any accompanying relief measures (e.g., rental assistance provisions or notice requirements).

Note: The summary above is based on the bill title and general expectations for eviction moratorium legislation. For precise protections, durations, eligible circumstances, exceptions, penalties, and enforcement details, the full text of SB 3477 would be required.