IA HSB117

Requires courts to seal residential eviction (forcible entry and detainer) records within three days if the defendant is found not guilty, the case is dismissed, the plaintiff fails to appear, or the court finds no genuine issue of material fact between parties

Allows defendants found guilty in eviction actions for nonpayment of rent to apply for record sealing after seven years, provided they have no subsequent eviction findings in the past five years, have not received a sealing in the past ten years, and have paid all court costs and fees

Permits immediate sealing of eviction records when plaintiff and defendant jointly file an application and the defendant has paid all court-ordered financial obligations

Restricts public access to sealed records, allowing inspection only by the defendant or their attorney via motion, or through judicial branch application for scholarly, educational, journalistic, or governmental purposes with defendant identifying information redacted

Requires state court administration to maintain and annually report aggregate data on eviction filings and dispositions while protecting party identities; takes effect July 1, 2026