Joyce passes funeral industry oversight legislation

SPRINGFIELD – In Feb. 2025, a whistleblower came forward sharing pictures and describing a gruesome scene at Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights ─ prompting an investigation from the Office of the Comptroller that discovered the crematorium improperly stored over 100 bodies.  In response, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a bill that would expand the comptroller’s ability to investigate crematory’s operations.

“When we all pass on one day, our last requests are often to be cremated or buried with dignity and respect,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This means funeral homes must operate at a level of care and professionalism that puts families dealing with loss at ease.”

House Bill 4695 would expand the comptroller's powers to investigate a licensed crematory, its records or any other aspects of crematory operation the comptroller deems appropriate. It would permit the comptroller to perform an unannounced inspection of the premises. As part of its investigations, if the comptroller finds any violation or wrongdoing under the grounds for dismissal that constitute an imminent danger to the public, the comptroller could suspend the crematory’s license. The bill would also implement additional penalties for violations.

Read more: Joyce passes funeral industry oversight legislation

Joyce working to update outdated vehicle law affecting farmers

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to modernize vehicle law to reflect the growth in agricultural technology, State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a measure through the full Senate that would allow heavier farm wagons and similar agricultural equipment to qualify for existing code exemptions on the road.

“A farmer who operates in my district came to me and helped shine a light on the issue we have here,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We have a farmer who is just trying to move his crops from the field to his grain elevator down the road, and he is getting pulled over for being over a weight limit that hasn’t been adjusted in over 45 years.”

Read more: Joyce working to update outdated vehicle law affecting farmers

Joyce launches annual summer book club for students on break

KANKAKEE – To prevent the “summer slide,” State Senator Patrick Joyce is launching a Summer Reading Club for children and young people who live in the 40th District.

“It can be easy for young students to drift away from reading when the school year ends,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Reading over the summer helps students stay in a routine that can last for the rest of their lives.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Joyce’s district office by Aug. 21. Participants who complete the readings will receive a certificate and an invite to a pizza party thrown by Joyce.

Read more: Joyce launches annual summer book club for students on break

Joyce advances bill to protect crematory operating standards

SPRINGFIELD – In Feb. 2025, a whistleblower came forward sharing pictures and describing a gruesome scene at Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights ─ prompting an investigation from the Office of the Comptroller that discovered the crematorium improperly stored over 100 bodies.  In response, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a bill through committee that would expand the Comptroller’s powers to investigate crematory’s operations.

“When we send our loved ones to be cremated or buried, it is a very sacred task,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “With this legislation we are empowering the Comptroller’s Office to ensure the best practices are followed within the funeral industry.”

House Bill 4695 would expand the Comptroller's powers to investigate a licensed crematory, their records or any other aspects of crematory operation as the Comptroller deems appropriate. It would permit the Comptroller to perform an unannounced inspection of the premises. As part of its investigations, if the Comptroller finds any violation or wrongdoing under the grounds for dismissal that constitute an imminent danger to the public, the Comptroller could suspend the crematory’s license. The bill also implements additional penalties for violations.

Read more: Joyce advances bill to protect crematory operating standards