SPRINGFIELD – Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement to seize property suspected of involvement in criminal activity – sometimes without a conviction. Thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino, stronger data collection and reporting requirements will take effect Jan.1 to improve transparency under the Illinois Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act.

“Too often, civil asset forfeiture has harmed working-class families and communities of color who already face barriers in our justice system,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This law ensures Illinois has accurate, accessible information so policymakers, advocates and the public can understand how forfeiture practices affect real people and identify where improvements are needed.”

The new law broadens the reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies after the seizure of property, requiring additional information such as where the seizure took place, the demographic information about the person whom the property was taken from, and citations to the statutory authority under which the property was seized and an arrest was made.

The law also expands the expenditure information that law enforcement agencies must submit to the Illinois State Police and requires agencies to file a null report if it did not receive forfeiture proceeds. Additionally, the law requires the Illinois State Police to maintain a public case-tracking database that reports each seizure and forfeiture.

“People deserve to know that policing practices are transparent, fair and accountable,” said Aquino. “This law brings us one step closer to a system that strengthens due process and safeguards the property rights of every Illinoisan, building greater trust in our legal system.”

House Bill 1628 took effect Jan. 1, 2026.

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