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SB 3604

CEMETERY RELIEF FUND

104th Regular Session Introduced by Steve Stadelman

Shifts funding and administration of cemetery cleanup reimbursements from a grant program to a reimbursement program run by the Illinois State Comptroller, using 3% of the Cemetery

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Bill Summary · SB 3604

Purpose and Intent

  • Bill SB3604, introduced in the 104th Illinois General Assembly by Sen. Steve Stadelman, amends the Cemetery Oversight Act to adjust how the Cemetery Relief Fund is used and who administers grant-like reimbursements for cemetery cleanup.
  • The core objective is to shift the administration and funding mechanism for cemetery cleanup reimbursements from a grant framework to a reimbursement framework and to specify who disburses those reimbursements.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Cemetery Relief Fund reallocation of use:
    • The Fund shall be used by the State Comptroller solely to provide reimbursements (not grants) to:
    • Units of local government
    • Cemeteries registered with the State Comptroller
    • Not-for-profit organizations (including not-for-profit cemetery authorities)
    • Purpose of reimbursements: to clean up cemeteries that are abandoned or neglected, at risk of receivership, insolvency, or abandonment, or otherwise in need of additional care.
  • Administration:
    • The grant reimbursement program is to be administered by the State Comptroller (Department of the Comptroller) rather than the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) as previously structured.
  • Funding mechanics:
    • If there is a structural surplus in the Cemetery Oversight Licensing and Disciplinary Fund, the Department may transfer moneys out of that fund for the purposes described above (i.e., to fund reimbursements under the Cemetery Relief Fund).
    • The bill specifies that moneys transferred into the Cemetery Relief Fund come from 3% of the moneys in the Cemetery Oversight Licensing and Disciplinary Fund, transferred annually starting July 1, 2011 (note: prior provisions reference historical funding growth; the bill as introduced continues to reference that structure).
  • Sunset/termination:
    • The section contemplates a repeal on January 1, 2027, indicating the provisions may be temporary unless renewed or amended.

Affected Parties

  • Units of local government with responsibilities for cemeteries.
  • Cemeteries registered with the Illinois State Comptroller.
  • Not-for-profit organizations involved in cemetery administration or cleanup.
  • The Illinois State Comptroller’s Office (primary administrator for reimbursements).
  • The Cemetery Oversight Licensing and Disciplinary Fund (fund source and potential surplus contributor).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Funding stream:
    • 3% of the Cemetery Oversight Licensing and Disciplinary Fund is earmarked annually for the Cemetery Relief Fund (effective beginning July 1, 2011, per the bill’s historical context).
  • Administration shift:
    • Reimbursement program moved from DFPR-related administration to the State Comptroller.
  • Transfer authority:
    • If there is a structural surplus in the Cemetery Oversight Licensing and Disciplinary Fund, the Department may transfer funds to support the Cemetery Relief Fund reimbursements.
  • Sunset consideration:
    • The provision is scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2027, unless extended or modified.

Impact and Implications

  • Reimbursement-focused funding: Shifts emphasis from traditional grants to reimbursement payments to eligible entities for cemetery cleanup work.
  • Clarified agency responsibilities: Places administration of the reimbursement program under the State Comptroller, potentially streamlining disbursements to local governments, cemeteries, and nonprofits.
  • Financial management: Introduces a mechanism to use surplus funds from related cemetery oversight accounts to support cleanup efforts, potentially increasing available resources for distressed cemeteries.
  • Time-limited framework: With a sunset date in 2027, the bill’s provisions may require renewal to remain in effect beyond that date.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to the current law (pre-introduction) or map a potential fiscal impact based on current fund balances.

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

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