SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois will implement new funeral home regulations at the start of the new year thanks to a plan filed in response to the mishandling of human remains at the Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville.
Under the law, anyone intentionally violating preparation room procedures and rules could face a Class 4 felony.
Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Integrity in Death Care Act to require an identification system for human remains to ensure funeral homes never mishandle human remains again.
Under the 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.
"This identification system is something we can all get behind," said Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon. "I think it’s nonpartisan. I think it’s common sense."
The law also requires Illinois to inspect funeral homes within 10 business days of receiving a complaint.
Sen. Doris Turner worked with Allmon and families impacted by the Heinz Funeral Home to change the state standards. Turner said everyone, dead or alive, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
"I’m committed to holding bad actors accountable," Turner said. "No family should receive the dreaded call that they were given the wrong remains."
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