IL HB1569

Replaces "sealing" with "impounding" of residential eviction court files and requires automatic impounding when parties agree, case is dismissed, satisfaction of judgment is filed, judgment favors tenant, or eviction order issued without allegation of material lease violation.

Court may order impounding upon motion by either party or court's own motion if interests of justice in impounding outweigh public interest in maintaining public records.

Court files relating to evictions under Section 9-207.5 or foreclosure-related evictions under Section 15-1701(h)(6) shall be impounded or placed under seal.

Allows scholarly, educational, journalistic, and governmental bodies to access impounded files by motion, with identifying information remaining impounded unless necessary; prohibits commercial use of impounded files with civil penalty of $2,000 or twice actual damages, whichever is greater.

Creates new procedure requiring court to send written notice if plaintiff has not prosecuted eviction action for 180 days; plaintiff must further prosecute or dismiss within 10 business days or defendant may petition for dismissal, triggering automatic file impounding.