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SB 4188

BEREAVEMENT CARE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Lakesia Collins and 3 co-sponsors

Illinois would create a statewide, coordinated bereavement care system with a central hub, training, screening tools, and regular data reporting.

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton
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Bill Summary · SB 4188

Summary of SB 4188 (Bereavement Care for All Act) – Illinois, 104th General Assembly

Purpose and intent

SB 4188 proposes a comprehensive, statewide approach to bereavement care in Illinois. The act aims to improve access to grief support, strengthen the workforce capable of providing bereavement services, reduce disparities in access and outcomes, and integrate grief-informed practices across public systems (health, education, social services, and justice). It recognizes bereavement as a widespread public health issue with significant health, educational, and economic implications, and seeks to normalize and coordinate care for grieving individuals and families.

Key provisions

  1. Bereavement Care Strategic Plan (Section 15)

    • The Department of Public Health (IDPH) must develop a statewide strategic plan in collaboration with multiple state agencies, professional groups, community-based providers, and individuals with lived bereavement experience.
    • Plan components:
      • Standards for grief-informed training and protocols.
      • Identification of service gaps by region.
      • Identification of funding opportunities (including federal and settlement funds).
    • Plan due to Governor and General Assembly within 18 months of effective date; updated every 3 years.

  2. Statewide Bereavement Resource and Navigation Hub (Section 20)

    • IDPH will establish or designate a centralized hub.
    • Hub functions:
      • Publicly accessible directory of community-based, culturally responsive bereavement services.
      • Navigation assistance for families seeking services.
      • Resources related to Social Security survivor benefits and victim compensation.
      • Coordination with 2-1-1 and existing health/human service platforms.
      • Priority outreach to high-need and underserved regions.

  3. Grief-Informed Education and Workforce Training (Section 25)

    • State Board of Education to develop model guidance for schools to:
      • Identify grieving students.
      • Implement grief-informed protocols for school responses to deaths.
      • Integrate grief awareness into Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
    • State-funded professional licensing boards to evaluate/include grief-informed training in continuing education for educators, mental health professionals, healthcare providers, first responders, criminal justice personnel, and funeral professionals.
    • Emphasis on culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate training.

  4. Screening and Identification Protocols (Section 30)

    • IDPH, with input from relevant agencies, to develop model screening tools for schools and healthcare settings to identify bereaved children and adults and connect them with resources.
    • Feasibility of adding an optional checkbox to death certificates to indicate whether the deceased left dependent children (to aid survivor benefits outreach), with privacy protections.

  5. Data, Reporting, and Rules (Section 35)

    • IDPH to improve data collection on bereavement prevalence and disparities.
    • Regular reporting every 3 years (and initial report in conjunction with the 18-month plan submission) on service utilization, gaps, disparities, and recommendations.
    • IDPH may adopt rules as needed to implement the act.

Who is affected

  • Individuals and families experiencing bereavement in Illinois (through access to resources and support networks).
  • Schools and school districts (grief-informed guidance and protocols).
  • Licensed professionals across education, health, and public safety sectors (through continuing education requirements).
  • State and local public health, human services, education, and justice agencies (via plans, hubs, data collection, and reporting).
  • Community-based bereavement providers and disproportionately affected communities (via stakeholder involvement and targeted outreach).

Timelines and process

  • 18 months after the act’s effective date: IDPH to submit the Bereavement Care Strategic Plan to the Governor and General Assembly.
  • Ongoing: Strategic Plan update every 3 years.
  • 3- to 6-year horizon implicit for hub establishment, tool development, and integration into licensing/education programs (implementation milestones tied to the plan).
  • Annual/periodic data reporting as specified in Section 35.

Note: The act authorizes rulemaking by IDPH to administer and implement these provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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