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IllinoisSB0128104th General Assembly (2025–2026)Senate

RABIES INOCULATION EXEMPTION

Sponsored By: Julie A. Morrison (Democratic)

Became Law

assignmentsagricultureagriculture & conservation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Rabies shots required for dogs and cats

The law requires rabies shots for all dogs and companion cats that are 4 months or older. A licensed vet must give the shot. A second shot is due within one year of the first. Later shots must follow the vaccine’s USDA license for timing and duration. Only licensed vets can buy and use animal rabies vaccines, and the vaccines must be USDA‑licensed. These rules take effect January 1, 2020.

Rabies tags and county fees

When a vet gives a rabies shot to a dog, cat, or ferret, the vet must send a Board‑approved certificate to the county. The vet must sign it, include any microchip number, and list only one animal per certificate. For dogs, vets must get serially numbered tags from the county where their office is and give one tag with each dog’s certificate. The Board sets the tag fee, which owners must pay. For companion cats, vets must give a certificate that meets county registration rules, and owners must pay any county fee. These rules take effect January 1, 2020.

Feral cats exempt; vaccinate when sterilized

Feral cats are not subject to the companion‑cat rabies shot rule or county registration fees. If you bring a feral cat to a vet for sterilization, the cat must get a rabies shot unless you show a valid rabies certificate. You must pay for that shot. When a feral cat is vaccinated, the vet must give you a vaccination certificate. These rules take effect January 1, 2020.

Medical exemption from rabies shots

A licensed vet can write that a rabies shot would harm an animal’s health. That exemption lasts one year and can be renewed each year. Owners still owe any tag fees during the exemption. If an exempt animal bites, it is treated as unvaccinated, must see a vet at least once a year, and must be vaccinated as soon as health allows. These rules take effect January 1, 2020.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Julie A. Morrison

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Katie Stuart

    Democratic • House

  • Laura M. Murphy

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 188 • No: 0

House vote • 5/20/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 111 • No: 0

House vote • 5/6/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee;

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 56 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/20/2025

Do Pass Agriculture;

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0072

    8/1/2025Senate

  2. Effective Date January 1, 2026

    8/1/2025Senate

  3. Governor Approved

    8/1/2025Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/18/2025Senate

  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/20/2025Senate

  6. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 111-000-000

    5/20/2025House

  7. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    5/16/2025House

  8. Second Reading - Short Debate

    5/16/2025House

  9. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

    5/7/2025House

  10. Do Pass / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 009-000-000

    5/6/2025House

  11. Assigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee

    4/17/2025House

  12. Referred to Rules Committee

    4/9/2025House

  13. First Reading

    4/9/2025House

  14. Chief House Sponsor Rep. Katie Stuart

    4/9/2025House

  15. Arrived in House

    4/9/2025House

  16. Third Reading - Passed; 056-000-000

    4/9/2025Senate

  17. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading

    4/9/2025Senate

  18. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **

    4/4/2025Senate

  19. Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Laura M. Murphy

    3/20/2025Senate

  20. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 4, 2025

    2/27/2025Senate

  21. Second Reading

    2/27/2025Senate

  22. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading February 25, 2025

    2/20/2025Senate

  23. Do Pass Agriculture; 012-000-000

    2/20/2025Senate

  24. Assigned to Agriculture

    1/28/2025Senate

  25. Referred to Assignments

    1/17/2025Senate

Bill Text

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