Proposed rules for cremains
State Rep. Anthony DeLuca of Chicago Heights has introduced House Bill 1367, which seeks to amend the Crematory Regulation Act in a way that could have devastating and long-term effects on many people in the state of Illinois.
I read through the bill as presented, and, as an Illinoisan, I have deep concerns about what this bill is aiming to do and the possible effects it will have on families, funeral homes and hospitals.
This act would make it illegal for crematories and funeral homes to give the cremains of loved ones to family members/”authorized agents,” unless they have a cemetery in which to bury the cremains.
As a clergy member, I have done services for many families who have chosen to have their loved ones cremated. Some of these families bury the cremains; some take the cremains home and keep the cremains in a place that brings them comfort. Some have scattered the ashes in a place of significant meaning to them and/or their deceased loved one. The bill would allow an “authorized agent” to receive 8 ounces of cremains. I believe this would cause undue emotional, financial and spiritual harm to family members who are already grieving the loss of a loved one.
I am concerned about what this bill will do to funeral home directors and hospitals that would, no doubt, be left with abandoned cremains and bodies because of families that cannot afford to bury their loved ones.
I am concerned for those who have already made plans with places like the Cremation Society of Illinois. What happens to these people and their prearranged plans?
The cynic in me thinks there is something behind this bill that has to do with money. At the presentation of the bill, there were 21 proponents and 250 opponents. Of the proponents, there are two out-of-state companies that appear to buy up and/or consolidate cemetery properties. Veneration Holdings says it “seeks to acquire successful death care businesses across the United States.” StoneMor Inc. owns 301 cemeteries and 69 funeral homes in 24 states and Puerto Rico, according to its website.
If you believe you and your family should have the right to decide what happens to your body after you die, where your remains will go, contact your Illinois state representative today and make your voice heard!
— The Rev. Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle, Romeoville, Illinois