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IllinoisSB1793104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

CREMATION-SCATTERING AREA

Sponsored By: Laura Ellman (Democratic)

Became Law

assignmentsexecutive

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Ash scattering options and limits

The law lets you place ashes in a grave, crypt, niche, a cemetery scattering area, or on private land with the owner’s OK. If the deceased’s religion requires water scattering, you may scatter in an Illinois river without a DNR permit. It must be for one person, spread so no pile forms, out of public view, and only ashes. Do not mix ashes or share an urn without the authorizing agent’s written OK. This limit does not apply to scattering at sea, by air, or in a cemetery area set aside for that. If you already held ashes before this law, you may dispose of them under these rules. These rules apply until January 1, 2029.

Receiving and handling ashes after cremation

If not told to arrange placement or scattering, the crematory must give the ashes to the named person or the authorizing agent. It may deliver in person or by registered mail. Once you receive the ashes, you can carry them anywhere in Illinois without a permit and dispose of them as the law allows. Families have 60 days after cremation to claim the ashes or give instructions. After 60 days, the crematory may dispose of them and must keep a permanent record of where. The authorizing agent is responsible for final disposition and must repay the crematory’s reasonable disposal costs if the crematory disposes under this law. After the crematory delivers the ashes or lawfully disposes of unclaimed ashes, it has no further legal liability. These rules apply until January 1, 2029.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Laura Ellman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Janet Yang Rohr

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

    Democratic • House

  • Kevin John Olickal

    Democratic • House

  • Ram Villivalam

    Democratic • Senate

  • Stephanie A. Kifowit

    Democratic • House

  • Theresa Mah

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 162 • No: 29

House vote • 5/22/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 90 • No: 23

House vote • 4/23/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Executive Committee;

Yes: 10 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 47 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Reported Back To Executive;

Yes: 3 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

Do Pass as Amended Executive;

Yes: 12 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0124

    8/1/2025Senate

  2. Effective Date January 1, 2026

    8/1/2025Senate

  3. Governor Approved

    8/1/2025Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/20/2025Senate

  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/22/2025Senate

  6. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 090-023-000

    5/22/2025House

  7. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit

    5/20/2025House

  8. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Kevin John Olickal

    5/20/2025House

  9. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Theresa Mah

    5/20/2025House

  10. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

    5/20/2025House

  11. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    5/14/2025House

  12. Second Reading - Short Debate

    5/14/2025House

  13. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

    4/23/2025House

  14. Do Pass / Short Debate Executive Committee; 010-001-000

    4/23/2025House

  15. Assigned to Executive Committee

    4/17/2025House

  16. Referred to Rules Committee

    4/9/2025House

  17. First Reading

    4/9/2025House

  18. Chief House Sponsor Rep. Janet Yang Rohr

    4/9/2025House

  19. Arrived in House

    4/9/2025House

  20. Third Reading - Passed; 047-004-000

    4/9/2025Senate

  21. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 8, 2025

    4/4/2025Senate

  22. Second Reading

    4/4/2025Senate

  23. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 4, 2025

    4/3/2025Senate

  24. Do Pass as Amended Executive; 012-001-000

    4/3/2025Senate

  25. Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Adopted

    4/3/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Senate Amendment 1

    PDF

  • Senate Amendment 2

    PDF

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