SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers are sending a plan to the governor's office to create new funeral home regulations in response to the mishandling of human remains at the Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville.
The Integrity in Death Care Act would create an identification system for all human remains to ensure funeral homes never mishandle human remains again.
Anyone intentionally violating preparation room procedures and rules could face a Class 4 felony. People engaging in funeral directing or embalming without a license would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
Under the law, anyone intentionally violating preparation room procedures and rules could face a Class 4 felony.
"The status quo isn't working," said Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "Dead or alive, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I'm committed to holding bad actors accountable. No family should receive the dreaded call that they were given the wrong remains."
Family impacted by the mishandling of remains at the Heinz Funeral Home advocated for this change alongside Turner and Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon.
"This identification system is something we can all get behind," Allmon said in February. "I think it's non-partisan. I think it's common sense."
Sen. Doris Turner says Democrats and Republicans need to work together this year to ensure Illinois funeral homes never mishandle bodily remains again.
Senate Bill 2643 passed unanimously out of the Senate Friday and previously gained unanimous support in the House.
"The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation would be required to inspect the premises within 10 business days of receiving the complaint," said Rep. Mary Gill (D-Chicago). "Stronger chain of custody requirements, timely inspections and real consequences can help to restore trust in this important field."
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