Illinois Comptroller Urges Lawmakers To Make The Mishandling Of Human Remains A Crime
In Chicago Tribune Opinion, Susana Mendoza proposes a range of regulatory reforms, including civilian oversight.
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza today urged state lawmakers to make the mishandling of human remains a felony with prison time.
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In an opinion published today in the Chicago Tribune, Mendoza proposes a range of death care industry regulatory reforms.
She writes, “Without criminal consequences, operators who profit from desecrating the dead have nothing to fear. A $10,000 fine is not a deterrent. We will not deter this conduct until we treat it with the full gravity it deserves under the law.”
“I am appalled by what these families have endured. Every family whose loved one was in that building deserves justice. They also deserve a clear explanation of why the system failed them again," writes Mendoza.
Mendoza explains that the state’s regulatory structure for the death care industry is “inherently flawed," splitting oversight between agencies while leaving several gaps.
The Illinois Comptroller oversees crematories and pre-need sales of funeral services and merchandise. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation licenses funeral directors and embalmers. Funeral homes are not regulated by any state agency.
Mendoza led efforts over several years to implement industry reforms, including advancing legislation that passed unanimously in the House and Senate.
Beginning January 1, 2027, the state will have the power to immediately suspend a crematory license when public safety demands it and to inspect premises and records upon complaint. Under the new law, crematories will be required to notify the Comptroller and the local coroner if remains have not been cremated within 30 days of delivery.
“While we have taken measurable steps, they are not enough,” writes Mendoza. “I have done everything within my authority. The General Assembly must act on three essential reforms as soon as this Veto Session to protect Illinoisans when we are at our most vulnerable."
Mendoza urges state lawmakers to consolidate death care regulation under a single state agency or independent commission as is done in other states.
“One agency. One chain of accountability. No more finger-pointing between departments while families wait for answers,” writes Mendoza.
The Comptroller also calls for a civilian oversight board with real authority, including representation from the families who have been directly harmed by death care misconduct.
“These families have been failed by the regulatory system once already. They deserve a permanent seat at the table where reforms are designed and enforced.”
Read the full opinion: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/08/opinion-south-chicago-chapel-human-remains-crime/
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