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HB 4126

CRIM CD-ABUSE OF A CORPSE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Tom Weber

HB 4126 updates Illinois criminal law regarding abuse of a corpse, likely revising penalties and legal definitions protecting deceased persons from unlawful treatment.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4126

Legislative bill overview

HB 4126 modifies Illinois criminal code provisions related to abuse of a corpse. The bill appears to update or clarify the legal definition and penalties associated with the unlawful treatment of human remains. Without access to the specific text comparing the current statute to the proposed changes, the exact modifications remain unclear from available records.

Why is this important

Abuse of a corpse laws protect human dignity and provide closure for families of the deceased. Clarifying or updating these statutes can address gaps in enforcement, establish clearer penalties, and reflect evolving circumstances (such as digital manipulation of remains or other contemporary concerns). These laws also deter desecration and ensure consistent prosecution standards across cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Disagreement over what conduct qualifies as "abuse"—whether it includes negligence, intentional acts only, or broader categories like failure to properly inter remains
  • Penalty levels: Questions about whether proposed penalties are proportionate, particularly regarding felony versus misdemeanor classifications and sentencing ranges
  • Intent requirements: Debate over whether the statute should require criminal intent or apply strict liability, affecting who can be prosecuted and under what circumstances

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

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