In the fall of 2023, the Sangamon County Coroner launched an investigation into a funeral home and crematorium in Carlinville, Illinois, leading to allegations that the business provided more than 80 families with the wrong remains. Investigators added that some of the remains were likely permanently lost, and that the business improperly stored bodies, allowing them to decompose in unrefrigerated settings.

Following the Coroner’s announcement, Republicans began drafting legislation to ensure the horrific events never happen again. Senator Steve McClure’s Senate Bill 3263 would make it a Class 4 Felony to knowingly and intentionally provide inaccurate documentation of the identity of human remains, store human remains in violation of Illinois law, or provide mis-identified human remains. The law would apply to all individuals authorized to treat, transport, or store human remains, which would include funeral homes and crematoriums.

Identical legislation has been filed in the Illinois House as well.