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.