A version of a bill circulating in the General Assembly would require more strenuous oversight of the industry, including testing, licensing, background checks, restrictions on outside contractors and continuing education for staff, Greg Vogele said.

"The main concern is it is kind of a one-size-fits-all approach," Mr. Vogele said.

There are many types of cemeteries of all sizes, he said. Some are for-profit. Some are run by volunteers. What works for one might not work for others.

Mr. Vogele said the proposal regulations also would be expensive. About $9 million might be required statewide, he said.

The current version of the bill is the result of the debacle at Burr Oak Cemetery, Alsip, he said.

A former manager and three gravediggers at that historic cemetery are facing charges for allegedly digging up hundreds of graves at in order to resell plots, according to authorities.

Bodies were strewn in the open or buried together to open up spaces, authorities said.

But Mr. Vogele said there are laws in place under which the culprits can be prosecuted.

"There are plenty of laws that they broke," he said.

Mr. Vogele said he is not necessarily against additional oversight, but thinks the bill initially was rushed through when it could have been made better by taking some extra time and working with the cemetery industry.

That time may be available now. The version of the bill approved in the Senate was altered considerably by the House and must be reconsidered in the Senate.

That will not happen until lawmakers reconvene in January.

"There's room for improvement," Mr. Vogele said.

The bill is SB1471.