Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Governor JB Pritzker has signed into law a measure crafted by two lawmakers representing Springfield, dealing with the people who make up cemetery boards.

Pritzker, according to records, signed SB 1241 into law August 1, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield), and Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield), among others, in the House.

The measure, according to McClure’s office, makes certain that those who serve on local cemetery boards are selected by the communities the cemeteries are located in.

“This is a common-sense change to ensure that local officials pick those who serve on cemetery boards,” said McClure, in a news release. “These boards make important decisions that directly affect the cemeteries that serve their areas, so it’s important to make sure we have local voices in the decision-making process.”

Prior to now, only township cemetery boards could only be appointed if there was a township collector.  If there wasn’t one — and in most cases there isn’t — the county board would make the appointment.  State law was said to be “confusing” about the matter.

McClure said the measure was suggested by a constituent, and now allows for a township supervisor to make the appointment, if there is not a township collector.

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.