IL HB2321

Removes blanket prohibitions on name change petitions for felons and persons convicted of specific crimes, instead requiring court clerk notification to Illinois State Police when petitioner has been convicted of identity theft, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a child, indecent solicitation, or sex offender registration offenses, allowing State Police opportunity to file timely objection.

Establishes new procedure for objections to name change petitions, requiring interested persons to file written objections at least 2 court days before hearing and appear in court; permits court to grant petition if no timely written objection is filed.

Allows court to waive publication requirements and designate proceeding records as confidential upon finding good cause, including evidence that publication would place petitioner or another individual in physical danger or evidence of stalking or assaultive behavior against petitioner or another individual.

Expands existing waiver provisions for publication requirements to include persons protected under domestic violence, stalking, civil no contact orders, and similar protections, who may file sworn statements to omit their address from court documents.

Requires Department of State Police to update criminal history records and offender registrations to reflect approved name changes, maintaining both new and former names for persons with felony or misdemeanor convictions.