SPRINGFIELD —Seeking to ensure greater fairness and dignity in access to life insurance, State Senator Adriane Johnson is championing legislation that would prohibit insurers from denying final expense life insurance coverage solely because an applicant has a past felony conviction.

“Having a criminal record should not be a life sentence that follows you to the grave,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Everyone deserves the ability to plan for their final expenses and to spare their loved ones from unexpected financial burdens—especially those who have already served their time and are working to move forward.”

House Bill 2425 would prevent companies offering life insurance final expense policies from refusing to insure, limiting coverage or charging higher premiums based solely on a person’s felony record. The measure includes a clear exception for individuals who are currently incarcerated.

Final expense life insurance policies, also known as burial or funeral insurance, are typically small, affordable whole-life policies intended to help families cover the costs of funeral services, medical bills and other end-of-life expenses.

Under current Illinois law, insurance companies are already prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability, blindness, veteran status or travel history when determining eligibility or premiums. House Bill 2425 aims to build on that framework by ensuring individuals with felony convictions—many of whom face significant barriers to financial stability—are not unfairly excluded from these essential policies.

“This legislation is about compassion, commonsense, and giving people a chance to prepare with dignity,” Johnson said. “It’s one more way we can support rehabilitation, reduce stigma and create a fairer system for all.”

House Bill 2425 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Adriane Johnson reaffirmed her commitment to improving access to essential services for Illinois families by championing legislation she outlined a press conference Friday to enhance oversight and accountability of the 2-1-1 helpline system.

“2-1-1 is a lifeline for people in crisis — whether they’re searching for a food pantry, emergency housing or mental health support,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must ensure this service is working the way it should: quickly, efficiently and fairly.”

SPRINGFIELD — Student teachers in Illinois may soon have new opportunities for fair compensation, thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Adriane Johnson that passed the Senate.

“Student teachers are not volunteers — they’re future educators doing real, meaningful work in classrooms every single day,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation breaks down outdated barriers that prevented them from being paid and opens the door for school districts, nonprofits, and higher education institutions to offer compensation.”

SPRINGFIELD — After an incarcerated man named Eddie Thomas died alone in a prison infirmary without receiving any end-of-life care, State Senator Adriane Johnson is championing legislation to bring dignity, compassion, and transparency to hospice and palliative care services in Illinois correctional facilities.

“This bill is about basic human dignity,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “No one should die in pain, in isolation or without the comfort of care — no matter who they are or where they live. House Bill 2397 brings transparency to a system that too often leaves people to suffer silently.”