IL HB4255

Expands Illinois' existing ban on elephants in traveling animal acts to cover "covered animals," which includes elephants, wild cats (excluding domestic cats), non-human primates, and bears, as well as hybrids of these species

Prohibits knowingly allowing covered animals to participate in traveling performances where animals are transported in mobile housing facilities such as trucks, trailers, or railway cars

Exempts performances at non-mobile, permanent facilities or fixed locations where the covered animal was not transported specifically for the performance

Violation remains a Class A misdemeanor, the same penalty as under the existing elephant-only law

Preserves local governments' authority to adopt stricter animal welfare ordinances and takes effect July 1, 2026