SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois will soon have new funeral home regulations thanks to a plan filed in response to the mishandling of human remains at the Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville.
Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Integrity in Death Care Act Friday to require an identification system for human remains to ensure funeral homes never mishandle human remains again.
"This identification system is something we can all get behind," said Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon. "I think it's non-partisan. I think it's common sense."
Under this law, 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.
"Dead or alive, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect," said Sen. Doris Turner. "I'm committed to holding bad actors accountable. No family should receive the dreaded call that they were given the wrong remains."
This law also requires the state to inspect funeral homes within 10 business days of receiving a complaint.
"Stronger chain of custody requirements, timely inspections and real consequences can help to restore trust in this important field," said Rep. Mary Gill (D-Chicago).
The new law will take effect on January 1.
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