SB 2139

Abstract

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a county board may establish a residential landlord-tenant court and make appropriations to operate it. Provides that this authorization is not a limitation on or a prohibition of the exercise of a home rule county's powers. Amends the Circuit Courts Act. Provides that the chief judge of a judicial circuit may establish a residential landlord-tenant court in a county if the county board has approved the establishment of such a court. Provides that the chief judge may appoint to this court licensed attorneys as hearing officers to preside over cases, take evidence, and report findings of fact and legal conclusions to a judge and these shall constitute a part of the proceedings upon which a judge makes rulings. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that in actions filed for repossession due to illegal drug use on the premises, an emergency housing eviction, or voiding a lease for use of the premises in furtherance of a crime, the court shall schedule a hearing on the complaint on any day before the expiration of 7 days after the complaint is filed and the court may waive the filing fee if the plaintiff shows that in advance of the lease a good faith effort was made, by properly accessing public and credit records, to determine whether the defendant had a criminal conviction or eviction record or an adverse credit history. Provides that a credit worthiness inquiry may only access income level, credit history, or another pertinent element of credit worthiness. Reduces time limits to 5 days (instead of 7 days) for stays of judgment for possession and for the sheriff to execute an order for possession. Reduces other time limits for continuances and other matters. Makes other changes.