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.
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 bill.
“When I saw the disturbing scenes that came out of the Chicago Heights investigation ─ I knew changes needed to be implemented,” said Joyce. “By bringing together all parties involved we were able to get to a spot where the comptroller’s office has enough authority to crack down on any bad actors and the funeral industry has enough room to operate successfully.”
House Bill 4695 passed the full Senate Thursday with bipartisan support.
