HB5469 - Human Trafficking Order of Protection Act

• Creates the Human Trafficking Order of Protection Act to protect victims of human trafficking and allow them to seek civil orders of protection without attending multiple court proceedings.

• Permits human trafficking victims and those acting on behalf of minor or adult victims to file for orders of protection independently, with other civil proceedings, or with criminal/delinquency cases.

• Eliminates filing and service fees for petitions, orders, and related filings in human trafficking protection cases.

• Applies civil procedure rules with preponderance of evidence standard and no right to jury trial; allows petitions to be filed in any county where the petitioner or respondent resides or where trafficking occurred.

• Authorizes the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts to establish a pilot program for electronic filing of temporary orders and audio-visual court proceedings for litigants facing undue hardship or risk of harm.