HB4540 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)

POSSESSION DISPUTES-PETS
Last Action
4/28/2026 - Senate: Assigned to Judiciary
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 5/19-101  from 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
DateChamberAction
1/22/2026HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez
1/30/2026HouseFirst Reading
1/30/2026HouseReferred to Rules Committee
2/11/2026HouseAssigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee
3/25/2026HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Judiciary - Civil Committee; 013-007-000
3/25/2026HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
4/06/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Dagmara Avelar
4/07/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez
4/07/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
4/08/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Judiciary - Civil Committee
4/08/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Judiciary - Civil Committee; 013-007-000
4/09/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Justin Cochran
4/09/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Edgar González, Jr.
4/09/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz
4/09/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Anne Stava
4/09/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Norma Hernandez
4/10/2026HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
4/10/2026HouseHeld on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
4/14/2026HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted
4/14/2026HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
4/14/2026HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 072-038-000
4/15/2026SenateArrive in Senate
4/15/2026SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading
4/15/2026SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes
4/15/2026SenateFirst Reading
4/15/2026SenateReferred to Assignments
4/28/2026SenateAssigned to Judiciary