‘We’ve gone insane’: House committee moves to turn Illinoisans into ‘yard fertilizer’ with human body composting
A controversial proposal that would allow the composting of human remains passed out of an Illinois House committee this week, sparking criticism from Republicans who say it disregards the sanctity…
A controversial proposal that would allow the composting of human remains passed out of an Illinois House committee this week, sparking criticism from Republicans who say it disregards the sanctity of life.
The Energy & Environment Committee voted 18-9 to advance a bill that would create the “Natural Organic Reduction Regulation Act.”
Dieterich, Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Niemerg didn’t hold back his frustration following the committee’s decision.
“Illinois Democrats are worried about a bill for human composting so you literally will come back as yard fertilizer to be grown for tomatoes,” Niemerg told Heartlander News. “Regardless of the religious implications, which I do have a very serious religious implication with it. The bill is open ended.”
Niemerg warned the current language of the bill is too broad. He said there’s nothing to stop composed remains from being dumped in places such as public parks.
Illinois Democrats just passed a bill for HUMAN COMPOSTING out of Committee! We’ve gone insane! pic.twitter.com/b4iFzcEoBJ
— Adam Niemerg (@adamniemerg) March 24, 2026
Niemerg says he believes the focus on human composting is a distraction from the significant crises facing the state.
“Never mind the fact that we have a governor who has allowed illegal immigrants to run rampant throughout this state. We have a Safety Act which allows violent criminals back out on the street.
“We have the highest property taxes in the nation, highest combination of state and local income tax, the second highest gas tax in the nation, and this is brought to you by Governor JB Pritzker and the radical left. Yet, what are we talking about in committee? Human composting.”
The Catholic Church and various life organizations have already signaled their opposition to the bill by arguing the process, which uses microbes to break down human remains into soil over 30 to 45 days, treats human life with a distinct lack of dignity.
Proponents argue the method is an eco-friendly alternative to burial or cremation.
The bill is now scheduled for further consideration on the House floor. If passed, the act would effect June 1, 2026.
