ChangeBridge / Illinois / HB4255 Passed
HB4255 House Bill
Passed
2025-12-19

CRIM CD-TRAVELING ANIMAL ACTS

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that the statute prohibiting elephants from performing in traveling animal acts applies to "covered animals" rather than just elephants. Defines "covered animal" as any of the following animals, and hybrids of those animals: (1) elephantidae; (2) felidae, but excluding a domestic cat; (3) non-human primate; or (4) ursidae. Provides that the provisions of the amendatory Act are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other laws protecting animal welfare. Provides that the provisions may not be construed to limit any State law or rules protecting the welfare of animals or to prevent a unit of local government from adopting and enforcing its own animal welfare ordinances and regulations. Contains a severability provision. Effective July 1, 2026.

Bill Details

State

Illinois

Session

104th General Assembly

Chamber

House

Official Source

www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum...

LegiScan

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Sponsors

Kelly Cassidy (Rep - D)
Diane Blair-Sherlock (Rep - D)
Michelle Mussman (Rep - D)
Joyce Mason (Rep - D)
Kimberly Du Buclet (Rep - D)
Margaret Croke (Rep - D)
Dagmara Avelar (Rep - D)
Barbara Hernandez (Rep - D)
Laura Faver Dias (Rep - D)
Lindsey LaPointe (Rep - D)

Action History

2026-04-07 H House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Judiciary - Criminal Committee; 009-002-000
2026-04-02 H Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
2026-03-20 H Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Laura Faver Dias
2026-03-20 H House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Judiciary - Criminal Committee
2026-03-19 H House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
2026-03-19 H House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy
2026-03-19 H Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
2026-03-18 H Do Pass / Short Debate Judiciary - Criminal Committee; 008-005-000
2026-03-13 H Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Barbara Hernandez
2026-03-12 H Assigned to Judiciary - Criminal Committee
2026-01-27 H Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dagmara Avelar
2026-01-27 H Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Margaret Croke
2026-01-16 H Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet
2026-01-16 H Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Joyce Mason
2026-01-16 H Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Michelle Mussman
2026-01-16 H Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock
2026-01-14 H Referred to Rules Committee
2026-01-14 H First Reading
2025-12-19 H Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy

Committee Referrals

2026-01-14 H Rules
2026-03-12 H Judiciary - Criminal
2026-03-19 H Rules
2026-03-20 H Judiciary - Criminal

Amendments

2026-03-19 House Amendment 001

Bill Text Versions

2025-12-19 Introduced

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