Bill Status of HB4540

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HB4540 - 104th General Assembly

POSSESSION DISPUTES-PETS
Last Action
4/15/2026 - Senate: Referred to Assignments
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
New Act
Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act. Provides that in a possession dispute involving a companion animal, a court may consider the well-being of the companion animal regardless of the marital status of the parties. "Companion animal" means a domesticated dog or cat that resides in a household. Authorizes the court to issue temporary possession or caregiving orders, including limited visitation, if necessary to reduce stress or disruption to the companion animal. Provides that for companion animals 10 years of age or older, courts may give additional consideration to factors including continuity of environment, emotional stability, stress minimization, and maintenance of established routines. Provides that a court may, if appropriate, order mediation between the parties to resolve issues related to companion animal possession.

House Floor Amendment No. 1
Deletes reference to:
New Act
Adds reference to:
735 ILCS 5/19-101from Ch. 110, par. 19-101
735 ILCS 5/19-106.5 new
735 ILCS 5/19-130 new
Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act. Amends the Replevin Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Makes "companion animals" subject to the Replevin Article. Defines a "companion animal" to mean an animal that is commonly considered to be, or is considered by the owner to be, a pet. Provides that "companion animal" includes, but is not limited to, canines, felines, and equines. Provides that if a companion animal is the subject of an action of replevin, at the initiation and pendency of a dispute, a court, exercising discretion set forth in the new provisions, may issue temporary possession or caregiving orders, including limited visitation, if necessary to reduce stress or disruption to the companion animal. References current replevin law regarding exceptions to the requirement of notice. Provides criteria for judicial determinations in a possession dispute involving a companion animal.
Actions
Date Chamber Action
1/22/2026 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez
1/30/2026 House First Reading
1/30/2026 House Referred to Rules Committee
2/11/2026 House Assigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee
3/25/2026 House Do Pass / Short Debate Judiciary - Civil Committee; 013-007-000
3/25/2026 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
4/06/2026 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dagmara Avelar
4/07/2026 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez
4/07/2026 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
4/08/2026 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Judiciary - Civil Committee
4/08/2026 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Judiciary - Civil Committee; 013-007-000
4/09/2026 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Justin Cochran
4/09/2026 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Edgar González, Jr.
4/09/2026 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz
4/09/2026 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Anne Stava
4/09/2026 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Norma Hernandez
4/10/2026 House Second Reading - Short Debate
4/10/2026 House Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
4/14/2026 House House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted
4/14/2026 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
4/14/2026 House Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 072-038-000
4/15/2026 Senate Arrive in Senate
4/15/2026 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading
4/15/2026 Senate Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes
4/15/2026 Senate First Reading
4/15/2026 Senate Referred to Assignments