(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — After five years of trying, supporters passed a bill in Springfield earlier this month that would allow Illinoisans convicted of certain crimes to get their names legally changed.
House Bill 2542, which was initially filed by Rep. Kelly Cassidy, would lift the lifetime ban on name changes for people convicted of identity theft, murder, arson and sex offenses. It would also remove a 10-year waiting period for those done serving their sentences for other felonies.
The proposal would require the individual to report their name change within 10 days to whichever law enforcement agency they were last registered.
State Sen. Bill Cunningham, a sponsor of the bill, told the Tribune that Illinois is one of the most restrictive states for name changes.
Cunningham also told the paper that, in his time working for the Cook County Sheriff, the office saw traffickers track down women after their prostitution cases were resolved and draw them back in.
Opponents of the bill objected to including people convicted of sex offenses, arson and murder to those who can ask to change their names.
Those who supported the bill said it gives judges discretion and would help transgender people avoid discrimination.
The bill now awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature.
Read the full bill here.
Related
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!