IllinoisIllinois law sets certain public worker death benefits at $8,000
Starting January 1, 2027, families and other beneficiaries may receive an $8,000 Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund death benefit in certain cases.
What it does
The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pays an $8,000 death benefit in certain cases involving workers and retirees. People who first retired before January 1, 2027, receive $3,000.
Argument forFamilies of eligible workers and retirees who die on or after January 1, 2027, could receive an $8,000 death benefit.
Argument againstFunding the $8,000 benefit could require participating local governments to contribute more to the retirement fund, leaving less money for other services.
More detail
The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pays an $8,000 death benefit in certain cases. The amount depends on the deceased person's status and whether a surviving spouse or child receives an annuity, a regular payment from the fund. People who first retired before January 1, 2027, receive the $3,000 amount. The $8,000 amount applies only to deaths on or after January 1, 2027.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 7Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0810Latest
- Aug 7Effective Date January 1, 2027; Some Provisions
- Aug 7Effective Date August 7, 2026; Some Provisions
- Aug 7Governor J. B. Pritzker ApprovedBecame Law
- Jun 26Sent to the GovernorTo Governor
- May 30Passed Both Houses
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 30Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 114-000-000Passed House
- May 30Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
- May 22Third Reading/Final Action Deadline Extended-9(b) May 31, 2026
- May 19Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short DebateMinor
- May 19Second Reading - Short DebateMinor
- May 6Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short DebateMinor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Dagmara Avelar
- May 6Do Pass / Short Debate Appropriations-Pensions & Personnel; 007-000-000
- May 5Pension Note Filed
- Apr 27Assigned to Appropriations-Pensions & PersonnelMinor
- Apr 16Referred to Rules Committee
- Apr 16First ReadingMinor
- Apr 16Chief House Sponsor Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.
- Apr 15Arrived in HouseMinor
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Do Pass, Amendment 1. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 15Third Reading - Passed; 054-000-000Passed Senate
- Apr 15Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
- Apr 15Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; HolmesMajor
- Apr 15Recalled to Second ReadingMinor
- Apr 15Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Pensions; 007-000-000
- Apr 14Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Pensions
- Apr 10Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
- Apr 10Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Linda HolmesMinor
- Mar 11Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 12, 2026
- Mar 11Second ReadingMinor
- Mar 4Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 5, 2026Minor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 4Do Pass Pensions; 007-000-000
- Feb 10Assigned to PensionsMinor
- Jan 13Referred to Assignments
- Jan 13First ReadingMinor
- Jan 13Filed with Secretary by Sen. Linda HolmesIntroduced
Economy & Jobs