court transparency Archives - Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts

What We’re Supporting This Legislative Session—Spring 2026

As the Illinois Legislature settles into its spring session, advocates have begun sharing legislative priorities and asking for individuals and organizations to support pending legislation. Chicago Appleseed is supporting a number of bills, listed below, focused on court transparency, family courts,...

COEP Training: Civil Asset Forfeiture Hearings (February 17)

Chicago Appleseed's Court Observation & Education Program (COEP) is back with two new court-watching projects, which are both virtual! Starting this month, we will be collecting data in domestic violence pretrial detention hearings to understand what arguments court actors are making in pretria...

COEP Training: Domestic Violence Pretrial Detention Hearings (February 10)

Governor Pritzker has Signed HB 1628 into Law, Strengthening Data Collection & Transparency in Civil Asset Forfeiture Practices

https://www.chicagoappleseed.org/2025/05/27/hb1628-a-step-toward-enhancing-data-collection-and-transparency-in-reporting-civil-asset-forfeiture/ On Friday, August 15th, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed HB1628 into law with an effective date of January 1st, 2026. The legislation, led by State Repre...