Signed by Governor JB Pritzker

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits human contact with bears or other nonhuman primates.

Highlights:

• Prohibits direct human contact with covered animals in the state of Illinois and specifies violations as a Class B misdemeanor (Sec. 5-20).

• Defines “covered animals” for the purposes of this bill as any live members of the following, or hybrid animals of the following, including (Sec. 5):

• Bears; or

• Nonhuman primates.

• Defines “direct contact” as physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including, but not limited to any proximity without a permanent physical barrier or sufficient vertical height designed to prevent physical contact between the public and covered animal (Sec. 5).

• Exempts the following individuals from the aforementioned prohibitions, including (Sec. 15):

• The owner of the covered animal;

• A trained professional employee or contractor of the owner of the covered animal;

• A licensed veterinarian or veterinarian student accompanying the veterinarian;

• A law enforcement officer or animal control authority, or employee of a federal, state, or local agency acting in the course of their official duty;

• A board member of the facility where the covered animal is kept.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 97).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits human contact with bears or other nonhuman primates.

Highlights:

• Prohibits direct human contact with covered animals in the state of Illinois and specifies violations as a Class B misdemeanor (Sec. 5-20).

• Defines “covered animals” for the purposes of this bill as any live members of the following, or hybrid animals of the following, including (Sec. 5):

• Bears; or

• Nonhuman primates.

• Defines “direct contact” as physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including, but not limited to any proximity without a permanent physical barrier or sufficient vertical height designed to prevent physical contact between the public and covered animal (Sec. 5).

• Exempts the following individuals from the aforementioned prohibitions, including (Sec. 15):

• The owner of the covered animal;

• A trained professional employee or contractor of the owner of the covered animal;

• A licensed veterinarian or veterinarian student accompanying the veterinarian;

• A law enforcement officer or animal control authority, or employee of a federal, state, or local agency acting in the course of their official duty;

• A board member of the facility where the covered animal is kept.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 97).

Full Bill Text