SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson led a law to allow people with previous felony convictions to serve as an executor of someone else’s estate if expressly named, which went into effect Monday, Jan. 1.

“We are taking a vital step to restore dignity and honor to families throughout Illinois to carry out the last wishes and affairs of loved ones,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Families should be free to choose who takes on this sacred duty. This measure will be one less domino in the effect of permanent punishments that devastate children, families and communities of color across Illinois.”

The law allows people with previous felony convictions to act as executor of someone else’s estate. Under the measure, a convicted felon can only serve as an executor if the deceased person expressly named that person in their will and acknowledged they knew the person was a convicted felon.

Under the law, the executor could be disqualified if they have been convicted of financial exploitation of seniors or people with disabilities, financial identity theft or a similar crime in another state or federal court may be disqualified as an executor of an estate in Illinois.

“This law reflects our commitment to second chances, acknowledging the valuable contributions and capabilities of individuals who have served their time,” said Johnson. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in society, and this effort brings us a step closer to inclusivity and fairness in our legal system.”

House Bill 1268 went into effect Jan. 1.