SPRINGFIELD — Committed to advancing equity and dignity in financial planning, State Senator Adriane Johnson’s new law will prohibit insurers from denying or limiting final expense life insurance coverage solely due to a prior felony conviction.

“Everyone deserves the chance to care for their families, even after they’re gone,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This law ensures that a person’s past doesn’t disqualify them from planning for the future with dignity and compassion.”

House Bill 2425 prohibits companies that offer final expense life insurance policies from rejecting applicants, limiting their coverage or inflating their premiums solely based on a felony conviction—provided the applicant is not currently incarcerated. Final expense policies—often referred to as burial or funeral insurance—are smaller-scale, affordable forms of whole-life insurance meant to help families handle end-of-life costs, including funeral services and medical bills.

By extending existing non-discrimination protections already provided in Illinois law to cover past felony convictions, this measure continues the state’s commitment to fair treatment. Current law already bars insurers from discriminating based on disability, veteran status and other personal history factors.

“This law is a step toward meaningful reintegration,” Johnson said. “When people complete their sentences, they deserve a chance to move forward—not face a lifetime of punishment. This change offers that opportunity.”

House Bill 2425 was signed into law Friday.