Jiménez Passes Will Depository Changes Out of House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – People’s end-of-life decisions will be securely stored under a new bill passed by state Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, changing the will depository process and allowing court clerks to be able to safekeep wills for county residents. 

“The documentation process for wills is difficult and especially more when figuring out who to trust to guard a will,” said Jiménez. “This legislation is a practical, forward-thinking step to give Illinois residents greater peace of mind when planning for the future. It reduces the risk of lost or inaccessible documents and helps individuals feel more confident that their final wishes will be protected, organized and honored.”

Jiménez’s House Bill 4722 would allow court clerks from any county to develop, maintain and store wills before someone’s death as a safekeeper. It establishes a procedure for the clerk to accept, keep and return these documents back to the county resident depositor with proper identification. Clerks will charge up to a $25 one-time deposit fee regardless of the number of documents and joint wills for married couples. 

Similarly, Senator Bill Cunningham introduced and passed Senate Bill 3291 with the same language and takes the same actions as House Bill 4722.

“Planning for the future shouldn’t come with uncertainty about whether important documents can be found when they’re needed,” said Cunningham. “This legislation adds an extra layer of security and helps prevent confusion during an already difficult time for families.”

Both pieces of legislation passed out of the House and Senate on April 14, where Senate Bill 3291 will move to the House for further consideration and House Bill 4722 will be reconsidered.