Bill > SB1793

This bill amends the Crematory Regulation Act to provide a specific exemption for religious scattering of cremated remains in Illinois rivers. The bill allows members of religions with tenets requiring water scattering to disperse cremated remains in an Illinois river without obtaining a permit from the Department of Natural Resources, subject to four key conditions: (1) the scattering must involve remains from only one deceased individual, (2) the remains must be spread over a sufficiently large area to prevent an identifiable accumulation, (3) the scattering must occur out of sight of public areas like roads, trails, campgrounds, and parking lots, and (4) only pulverized cremated remains can be scattered, with no other objects (such as identification discs or prostheses) being dispersed. The bill also updates the definition of "scattering area" to include water in limited scenarios that meet these specific requirements. This modification provides religious accommodations while maintaining environmental and public safety considerations, allowing individuals to honor their faith's funeral practices with some regulated flexibility in cremated remains disposition.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1793&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104