Bill > HB4255

This bill amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to expand protections against animals in traveling performances by broadening the scope of prohibited animals from only elephants to a wider range of species, which the bill defines as "covered animals". Specifically, the covered animals include elephants, big cats (excluding domestic cats), non-human primates, and bears, along with any hybrids of these species. The bill maintains existing definitions of "traveling animal act" and "performance" while creating stricter regulations about transporting and using these animals for entertainment purposes. The legislation makes it a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly allow a covered animal to participate in a traveling animal act, with an exception for performances at fixed, non-mobile facilities where the animal is not transported specifically for the performance. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that these provisions are intended to complement, not replace, existing animal welfare laws, and it does not prevent local governments from creating their own animal welfare ordinances. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the legislation remains in force.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4255&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104