SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law could reduce discrimination in the life insurance industry.

The law will ban insurance companies from limiting or denying life insurance coverage based on a criminal record.

Sponsors said families should not be put in debt because of a crime their loved one committed a lifetime ago. They also argue life insurance companies should provide coverage regardless of the crime someone committed.

"I would argue and suggest that we remove the invisible handcuffs and the invisible prison cells, and allow people who are productive citizens to be able to have coverage to provide for their families," said Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan).

This plan passed out of the Senate on a partisan 36-18 vote and received a 76-38 vote in the House.

House Bill

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