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

“No one should be denied the ability to plan for the future because of a past mistake,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “People who have served their time deserve the opportunity to protect their loved ones from the financial burdens that come with end-of-life costs.”

House Bill 2425 would prohibit companies offering final expense life insurance policies from refusing to insure someone, limiting their coverage, or charging higher rates solely based on a felony conviction. The bill makes clear that this protection does not extend to individuals who are currently incarcerated.

Final expense policies—also called burial or funeral insurance—are smaller, more affordable forms of whole-life insurance designed to help families cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and related costs.

Illinois law already prevents insurance companies from discriminating based on disability, veteran status, blindness, or travel history. House Bill 2425 extends those protections to include individuals with felony convictions, specifically for final expense policies.

“This measure is rooted in fairness and practicality,” Johnson said. “It helps people plan with dignity, reduces stigma, and recognizes that rehabilitation means more than just finishing a sentence—it means being treated with basic human respect.”

House Bill 2425 passed the Senate Thursday.

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