NAME CHANGE-CONVICTED PERSONS

Amends the Change of Name Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Deletes language barring certain persons convicted of crimes from petitioning for a change of name. Provides instead that a person convicted of any offense for which a person is required to register under specified Acts is not permitted to file a petition for a name change while the person is required to register unless the person verifies that the petition for name change is due to marriage, transgender status, religious belief, or status as a victim of trafficking. Provides that any petition form shall include a warning that a person, with exceptions, commits a felony offense if he or she petitions for a change of name while required to register under specified Acts and has not been pardoned. Provides that if the petition indicates the petitioner has been adjudicated or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor offense for which a pardon has not been granted, or has an arrest or pending charge on a felony or misdemeanor offense for which a charge has not been filed, the circuit court clerk shall promptly serve a copy of the petition on the State's Attorney and the Department of State Police. Provides that the State's Attorney may file an objection if specified circumstances exist. Provides that if the court finds good cause, the court may waive the publication requirement and order that the record of the proceeding be designated confidential. Makes other changes.