HB4540 — Companion Animal Custody Equity Act
Rosie's Law (HB4540) passed the Illinois House 72–38 on April 14, 2026, and now heads to the Senate. The bill lets courts issue temporary custody and visitation orders for companion animals — prioritizing their well-being during disputes.
Bill Status Current Progress
Track the latest legislative developments and status updates for Rosie's Law in the Illinois General Assembly.
Access HB4540 Resources
Review the complete bill text, executive summaries, amendments, and supporting documents for Rosie's Law.
Full Bill Text
Complete legislative language of HB4540 with all current provisions and statutory references.
Executive Summary
Concise overview of HB4540's purpose, key provisions, and intended impact on companion-animal custody law.
Amendment Overview
Summary of proposed amendments to HB4540 with rationale and legislative committee feedback.
Bill Status Tracker
Current progress of HB4540 through Illinois legislative committees and scheduled hearings.
Supporting Documents
Research summaries, fiscal impact analyses, and stakeholder correspondence related to HB4540.
Media Kit
Rosie's Law logos, bill fact sheets, and resources for press coverage and legislative communications.
It started with one sponsor who answered the call.
Rep. Barbara Hernandez
House Sponsors
Thank you to all of our co-sponsors for standing with us to protect the animals we love.
Access Rosie's Law materials and updates
Find bill status, full legislative text, amendments, and resources supporting Illinois HB4540 in one centralized location.
Questions about HB4540
Find answers about the bill, its scope, and what modernized pet custody law means for Illinois.
What does Rosie's Law change about pet custody in Illinois?
HB4540 allows courts to consider caregiving history and the animal's well-being when determining pet ownership in disputes. Currently, Illinois treats pets as property. This bill modernizes the law to reflect the emotional bonds people develop with companion animals.
Who does this legislation apply to?
Rosie's Law applies to anyone involved in a pet custody dispute in Illinois. This includes divorcing couples, separated partners, and others with contested claims to companion animals. The bill affects how courts evaluate these cases statewide.
What happens during the legislative process?
HB4540 moves through committee review, floor debate, and votes in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. Progress updates appear on the Bill Status page. The bill must pass both the House and Senate before moving to the Governor's desk.
How can I track the bill's current status?
Visit the Bill Status page to see HB4540's location in the legislative process, upcoming hearings, and recent actions. The page updates as the bill advances through committees and chamber votes.
Where can I find the full text of HB4540?
The complete bill text is available on the Full Bill Text page, along with section-by-section explanations. You can also access amendment details and legislative materials through the Legislation page.
How does this bill compare to pet custody laws in other states?
Several states have adopted similar provisions considering pet care and well-being in custody decisions. Rosie's Law aligns Illinois with modern animal welfare standards while respecting caregiving relationships. More details are available in the Executive Summary.
Need more information?
Contact us with specific questions about HB4540 or how this legislation affects Illinois pet custody law.
HB4540 Passes House — Advances to Senate
HB4540 — the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act — passed the Illinois House 72–38 on April 14, 2026, incorporating House Floor Amendment No. 1. The bill was engrossed and transmitted to the Senate, where it received its first reading on April 15, 2026, and was referred to the Senate Assignments Committee. Chief Senate Sponsor: Sen. Linda Holmes.
CACE Act
Official Act name
The bill may be referred to as the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act per the official bill text.
72–38
House vote
HB4540 passed the Illinois House on Third Reading – Short Debate on April 14, 2026.
Partisan (D-8)
Sponsorship
Partisan Bill – Democrat 8, led by Rep. Barbara Hernandez with seven co-sponsors including Sen. Linda Holmes.
Assignments
Senate stage
Action: 2026-04-28 - Assigned to the Judiciary Committee Hearing: May 6 @ 3:30 pm in Room 400