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 worked to expand the comptroller’s ability to investigate crematory’s operations.
“By bringing together both the comptroller’s office and the funeral industry, we were able to craft legislation that allows crematoriums to operate successfully and ethically,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “When you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, the last thing you should have to worry about is how their remains are treated.”
House Bill 4695 will expand the comptroller's ability to investigate a licensed crematory, its records or any other aspects of crematory operation the comptroller deems appropriate. It will 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 will be able to suspend the crematory’s license. The law will also implement additional penalties for violations.
Throughout the legislative process, Joyce worked closely with the comptroller’s office and the funeral home industry ─ ultimately getting to the framework currently laid out in the law.
House Bill 4695 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
