A bill on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk would ban insurance companies from limiting or denying life insurance coverage to individuals with a criminal record.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Legislation on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could reduce discrimination in the life insurance industry.

This bill would ban insurance companies from limiting or denying life insurance coverage based on a criminal record.

Sponsors said families should not be put in debt because of a crime their loved one committed a lifetime ago. They also argue insurance companies should provide coverage regardless of the crime.

"I would argue and suggest that we remove the invisible handcuffs and the invisible prison cells and allow people who are productive citizens to be able to have coverage to provide for their families," said Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan). 

The proposal passed out of the Senate on a partisan 36-18 vote with one senator voting present. House Bill 2425 received a 76-38 vote in the House.

"We just want to remove that hardship from the families and say it's okay to bury your dead," said Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan). "You may have committed a felony 20, 30 years ago and now you turn your life around, but you can't get life insurance. So, it's just basic policy." 

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