Ellman supports SB2951 to enforce 10-year limit on mortgage-secured debt collection

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) cast a Yes vote for SB2951, legislation that proposes a 10-year deadline for collecting debts backed by a mortgage, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026. The Illinois Senate approved the bill with a 58-0 vote.

According to the bill's official description, it is titled "MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE TIME."

Below is a summary of the bill text, which may include interpretation to help clarify its provisions.

Essentially, the bill sets a 10-year period within which to initiate actions to recover any obligation secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, bringing these debts in line with the existing 10-year period for mortgage foreclosure and other written obligations. It changes probate procedures by specifying that, in cases involving the sale or mortgaging of a decedent's real property, courts may not order a sale if the secured creditors cannot be fully compensated unless those creditors consent to a partial payment. When such consent is given, a sale is not considered required for the proper management of the estate. The bill becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

The official record for SB2951 reads: 'House Committee Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs.'

Ellman earned her BS from Grinnell College in 1987.

A Democrat, Ellman began serving in the Illinois State Senate in 2019 representing the 21st Senate District, succeeding Michael Connelly.

Illinois bills follow a multi-step legislative process that starts with introduction in either legislative chamber, followed by committee evaluation, floor discussion, and approval votes in both chambers before proceeding to the governor for signing or veto. Each biennial General Assembly session sees thousands of bills introduced, with only a small portion ultimately becoming law.