IllinoisHB4255104th General Assembly (2025–2026)House

CRIM CD-TRAVELING ANIMAL ACTS

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Became Law

Summary

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.

judiciary - criminalassignmentscriminal law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Traveling shows cannot use elephants

Beginning July 1, 2026, it is illegal to use certain elephants in traveling animal acts. The ban covers African or Asian elephants protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. A traveling act means the animals are transported in mobile housing to, from, or between shows. Permanent, non-mobile facilities that are USDA-licensed may still exhibit elephants if the facility runs the show. Knowingly allowing a covered elephant to perform in a traveling act is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Anna Moeller

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Barbara Hernandez

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Carol Ammons

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Dagmara Avelar

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Diane Blair-Sherlock

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Janet Yang Rohr

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Joyce Mason

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Julie A. Morrison

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Justin Cochran

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Kelly M. Cassidy

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Kimberly Du Buclet

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Lakesia Collins

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Laura Faver Dias

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Laura Fine

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Linda Holmes

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Lindsey LaPointe

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Margaret Croke

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Mary Edly-Allen

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Mary Gill

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Michael Crawford

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Michelle Mussman

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Mike Simmons

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Sara Feigenholtz

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Sharon Chung

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Suzy Glowiak Hilton

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 153 • No: 45

Senate vote 5/20/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 51 • No: 4

Senate vote 5/13/2026

Do Pass Criminal Law;

Yes: 9 • No: 1

House vote 4/14/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 76 • No: 33

House vote 4/7/2026

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Judiciary - Criminal Committee;

Yes: 9 • No: 2

House vote 3/18/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Judiciary - Criminal Committee;

Yes: 8 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0485

    6/26/2026House
  2. Effective Date July 1, 2026

    6/26/2026House
  3. Governor Approved

    6/26/2026House
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/18/2026House
  5. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Mary Edly-Allen

    5/31/2026Senate
  6. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton

    5/31/2026Senate
  7. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins

    5/20/2026Senate
  8. Passed Both Houses

    5/20/2026House
  9. Third Reading - Passed; 051-004-000

    5/20/2026Senate
  10. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 18, 2026

    5/14/2026Senate
  11. Second Reading

    5/14/2026Senate
  12. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 14, 2026

    5/13/2026Senate
  13. Do Pass Criminal Law; 009-001-000

    5/13/2026Senate
  14. Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 15, 2026

    5/8/2026Senate
  15. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura Fine

    5/7/2026Senate
  16. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Simmons

    4/29/2026Senate
  17. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Julie A. Morrison

    4/28/2026Senate
  18. Assigned to Criminal Law

    4/28/2026Senate
  19. Added as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz

    4/17/2026Senate
  20. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz

    4/17/2026Senate
  21. Referred to Assignments

    4/15/2026Senate
  22. First Reading

    4/15/2026Senate
  23. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes

    4/15/2026Senate
  24. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading

    4/15/2026Senate
  25. Arrive in Senate

    4/15/2026Senate

Bill Text

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