HB4206Introduced in the House
CHARITABLE ORG BFY-PROBATE
Introduced by Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, District 17
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Reinserts the provisions of the bill with these changes. Provides that a "beneficiary designation" means a provision in an instrument designating a beneficiary, other than in a will or an instrument creating a trust, and may also mean the instrument itself, including, but not limited to, any of the following: (1) a demand deposit, savings deposit, time deposit or other account or instrument on which the holder is directly liable with a designation for payment upon death or other nonprobate designation making it transferable on death; (2) a security registered in beneficiary form; or (3) a pension, profit-sharing plan, retirement account such as an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or other employment-related benefit plan. Excludes from this definition a beneficiary made as part of an annuity or an insurance policy. Amends the Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act. Requires an insurer within 120 days after being contacted by the charitable beneficiary to: (1) determine whether the charitable organization has a right to the proceeds of the policy, annuity contract, or a retained asset account; (2) provide a general description of the policy, annuity contract, or a retained asset account that may be held for the benefit of the charitable organization and the exact language of the beneficiary designation; and (3) include information that verifies whether the insurer has already obtained the official death certificate or documentation needed to verify the death of the insured, annuitant, or retained asset account holder. Provides that if the holder of property maintains it is prohibited from paying, delivering, or transferring the property listed under a beneficiary designation to a charitable organization due to requirements under federal law, the holder of the property shall (1) explain in writing the reason why the property cannot be paid, delivered, or transferred to the charitable organization; and (2) take all actions necessary in order to facilitate payment, delivery, or transfer of the property in compliance with this Act. Provides that if a holder of property fails or refuses to comply with the Act, the court may award a charitable organization, among other relief, a penalty in an amount determined by the court up to $10,000 only if the court finds that the holder of the property engaged in bad faith or willful misconduct. Excludes not-for-profit organizations that are the irrevocable sole beneficiary of a life insurance policy covered by the Illinois Insurance Code. Requires an insurer to provide within 120 days the appropriate claims forms or instructions to a holder of property under the Charitable Organization Beneficiary Act. Makes structural changes. Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that if due proof of death requires a certified copy of the death certificate, then no more than one beneficiary is required to submit a certified copy of the death certificate.
Where it stands
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0481
June 26, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
SenateStage: Senate Third Reading · May 14, 2026
58
Yes
0
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
59 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Javier Cervantes | 1 | Yes |
| Omar Aquino | 2 | Yes |
| Mattie Hunter | 3 | Yes |
| Kimberly Lightford | 4 | Yes |
| Lakesia Collins | 5 | Yes |
| Sara Feigenholtz | 6 | Yes |
| Mike Simmons | 7 | Yes |
| Ram Villivalam | 8 | Yes |
| Laura Fine | 9 | Yes |
| Robert Martwick | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
First Reading
Referred to Rules Committee
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Laura Faver Dias
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Anna Moeller
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Michelle Mussman
Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Suzanne M. Ness
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kevin John Olickal
Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Ann M. Williams
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Mary Beth Canty
Assigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Justin Cochran
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Judiciary - Civil Committee
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Judiciary - Civil Committee; by Voice Vote
Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Judiciary - Civil Committee; 013-007-000
Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
Second Reading - Short Debate
Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rules Refers to Judiciary - Civil Committee
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Judiciary - Civil Committee; 018-000-000
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 111-000-000
Arrive in Senate
Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading
Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Robert F. Martwick
First Reading
Referred to Assignments
Approved for Consideration Assignments
Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading April 29, 2026
Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam
Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. David Koehler
Second Reading
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 5, 2026
Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Porfirio
Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Julie A. Morrison
Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Michael W. Halpin
Third Reading - Passed; 058-000-000
Passed Both Houses
Sent to the Governor
Governor Approved
Effective Date January 1, 2027
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0481
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