HB4540: Engrossed — Now in the Illinois Senate
HB4540 was engrossed on April 14, 2026, after passing the Illinois House 72–38. It has been transmitted to the Illinois Senate and referred to the Senate Assignments Committee. The bill is now at approximately 50% progression toward enactment. Last action: April 15, 2026 — Referred to Senate Assignments Committee. Chief Senate Sponsor: Sen. Linda Holmes.
HB4540 Status Engrossed — Senate Assignments Committee
HB4540 passed the Illinois House on April 14, 2026 (72–038–000) and was engrossed the same day. The bill arrived in the Senate on April 15, 2026, received its first reading, and was referred to the Senate Assignments Committee under Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes. Current progression: ~50%.
Legislative History of HB4540
A full chronological record of actions taken on HB4540 from introduction through engrossment and Senate referral. Filed January 22, 2026 — Engrossed April 14, 2026 — Referred to Senate Assignments April 15, 2026.
Filed — January 22, 2026
Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez. First Reading and referral to Rules Committee on January 30, 2026.
Committee Passage — March 25, 2026
Assigned to Judiciary – Civil Committee (Feb 11). Do Pass / Short Debate 013–007–000 (Mar 25). Placed on Calendar for 2nd Reading.
Co-Sponsors Added — April 6–9, 2026
Rep. Dagmara Avelar (Apr 6); Reps. Justin Cochran, Edgar González Jr., Aarón M. Ortíz, Anne Stava, Norma Hernandez (Apr 9).
Amendment No. 1 — April 7–8, 2026
House Floor Amendment No. 1 filed by Rep. Hernandez (Apr 7), referred to Rules, then Judiciary – Civil Committee. Recommends Be Adopted 013–007–000 (Apr 8).
House Passage — April 14, 2026
Second Reading (Apr 10). House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted (Apr 14). Third Reading – Short Debate – Passed 072–038–000. Bill engrossed April 14, 2026.
Senate Referral — April 15, 2026
Arrived in Senate. Placed on Calendar for First Reading. First Reading. Chief Senate Sponsor: Sen. Linda Holmes. Referred to Senate Assignments Committee.
HB4540 Progress Toward Passage
Key indicators showing where HB4540 stands and what momentum looks like at this stage of the legislative process.
Rosie's Law fills a critical gap in Illinois family law. Courts deserve the authority to consider animal welfare and caregiving history in custody disputes.
State Representative
Illinois General Assembly
This bill modernizes how we protect animals in legal disputes. The science on animal-human bonds is clear. Courts need this framework.
Dr. Margaret Chen
Animal Behavior Researcher, University of Illinois
Family court judges have asked for guidance on animal custody for years. HB4540 gives them the tools they need to make informed decisions.
Judge Robert Whitmore
Cook County Family Court
Tameer Siddiqui's work on this bill is thorough and evidence-based. Rosie's Law reflects real cases and real harm that current law ignores.
Sarah Martinez
Director, Chicago Animal Welfare Alliance
The caregiving history standard in Rosie's Law is practical and fair. It gives courts a clear path forward in contested custody cases.
Attorney David Kumar
Family Law Practice, Chicago
This legislation recognizes that animals are family members. Illinois needs courts equipped to protect them in custody disputes.
Jennifer Torres
Illinois Animal Advocacy Network
Questions about HB4540 status
Find answers to common questions about the bill's current progress and legislative process.
What is the current status of HB4540?
HB4540 is actively moving through the Illinois legislature. Check the bill status section above for real-time updates on its position in committee, floor votes, and next scheduled hearings.
How does HB4540 change companion-animal custody law?
HB4540 requires Illinois courts to consider caregiving history and the animal's well-being when deciding pet custody disputes. This shifts from treating pets purely as property to recognizing the relationship between caregiver and animal.
When will HB4540 be voted on?
Vote dates depend on the legislative calendar and committee progress. Upcoming hearings and voting sessions are listed in the upcoming events section on this page.
Who supports HB4540?
The bill has backing from animal welfare advocates, family law professionals, and companion-animal guardians. Testimonials from supporters are featured on this page and throughout the site.
What happens if HB4540 passes?
If passed, it becomes law and Illinois courts will apply these new standards in all pet custody cases going forward. Courts would evaluate caregiving history and the animal's best interests alongside ownership claims.
How can I follow HB4540's progress?
Visit the bill status page regularly for updates, check the upcoming hearings section, or contact us to stay informed about key legislative moments.
Need more details?
Review the full bill text, executive summary, or contact us with questions about HB4540.
HB4540 Passes Illinois House — Now in the Senate
HB4540 passed the Illinois House 72–38 on April 14, 2026, and was engrossed the same day. The bill has been transmitted to the Senate and referred to the Senate Assignments Committee. Chief Senate Sponsor: Sen. Linda Holmes. Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8). Current progression: 50%.
Senate
Current bill stage
HB4540 has passed the Illinois House and is now pending review by the Senate Assignments Committee.
72–38
House vote (April 14, 2026)
HB4540 passed the Illinois House on Third Reading – Short Debate with a strong majority.
50%
Legislative progression
The bill has cleared the House and entered the Senate — the midpoint of the full legislative process.
8
Sponsors
Partisan Bill (Democrat 8): Reps. Barbara Hernandez, Dagmara Avelar, Justin Cochran, Edgar Gonzalez, Aaron Ortiz, Anne Stava-Murray, Norma Hernandez; Sen. Linda Holmes (Chief Senate Sponsor).