SPRINGFIELD – Establishing a safe pathway for Illinois families to scatter their loved one’s ashes, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced legislation that would create rules allowing cremated remains to be scattered in Illinois waterways.

“Illinois families going through major life adjustments after losing a loved one need support as they navigate through emotional and financial challenges,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I have heard the concerns of families in my district whose faith requires them to scatter their loved one’s ashes in flowing water, and they are worried about the lack of transparent regulations on scattering rights.”

Currently, Illinois law allows for the scattering of cremated ashes in designated areas with permit approval from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The existing definition of “scattering areas” is limited to soil or ground cover. Ellman’s bill would allow families to scatter one individual’s cremated remains in a river in situations where a tenet of their faith is final disposition in a waterway.

SPRINGFIELD – In recent years, Illinois has seen over 1,700 gun-related deaths, with firearms being the leading cause of death for children and teens. To prevent further harm and keep Illinois families safe, State Senator Laura Ellman is leading a measure to strengthen safety standards for both firearm owners and individuals with potential access to such firearms.

“Unsecured firearms pose a risk to children and their families,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure will help ensure owners of firearms store them in a safe and secure manner, preventing unnecessary injury or death.”

Under current law, firearm owners in Illinois must keep their guns temporarily inoperable and in a securely locked container or location a minor under age 14 without a FOID card would not have reasonable access to.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure Illinois families are able to scatter their loved one’s ashes safely and ethically, State Senator Laura Ellman is leading a measure that would allow cremated remains to be scattered in Illinois rivers in certain circumstances.

“Losing a loved one is difficult for any family, especially when those families must handle funeral or cremation expenses while also finding time to grieve and support one another,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Some families with certain religious tenets, such as some of my Hindu constituents, must arrange for the scattering of their loved one’s remains in flowing water, but Illinois law wasn’t clear on whether that’s allowed.”

Currently, Illinois law allows for the scattering of cremated ashes in designated areas with permit approval from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The existing definition of “scattering areas” is limited to soil or ground cover. Ellman’s bill would allow families to scatter one individual’s cremated remains in a river in situations where a tenet of their faith is final disposition in a waterway.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman introduced a measure to protect students, teachers and staff from radon exposure by requiring routine testing for all Illinois public schools.

“This legislation builds on previous protections to safeguard Illinoisans from life-threatening radon exposure by reinforcing safety practices for some of our most vulnerable populations – our students,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Establishing regular radon testing in public schools is necessary to mitigate the onset of harmful health complications like lung cancer, with over 21,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths reported in the nation each year.”

Radon is a naturally occurring element, but it is not immediately produced or detectable. Senate Bill 2438 would require all occupied public school buildings to test for radon by Jan. 1, 2029 and at least once every five years afterwards. Additionally, all new public schools would be built using radon-resistant construction techniques in accordance with the American National Standards Institute and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists.