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Access to Justice Commission seeks broader e-filing exemptions for self-represented litigants
Summary
The Access to Justice Commission proposed expanding Rule 9 exemptions so self-represented litigants lacking technology, email or payment methods can file by alternative means and certain document types (for example original wills) remain non-electronic.
Sanjay Taylor, speaking for the Access to Justice Commission and on behalf of Judge George Ortiz, presented proposal 25-04 to amend Rule 9 to expand exemptions from mandatory e-filing for self-represented litigants (SRLs). Taylor said the changes respond to a 2022 study and aim to cover SRLs who lack computer literacy, email, or payment methods and to allow for filing by mail or in-person where needed. "These recommendations are based on a study that was done in 2022, which, we reference in, the letter to miss Murphy," Taylor said.
He described categories of documents that may not be e-filed (for example, original wills) and explained the proposal distinguishes between exemptions and exceptions to avoid conflict with probate rules that require original wills in the clerk's office. Committee members and others noted that existing courthouse assistance (Illinois Court Help) and nonprofit navigators partially address needs but that the proposal targets those who cannot practically e-file at all.
