The American Kennel Club (AKC) continues to monitor legislation in Illinois that would impose problematic new requirements on licensed dog breeders.
House Bill 4778, which mirrors Senate Bill 2990, was scheduled for consideration by the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee on March 24, 2026. The measure would apply “one-size-fits-all” commercial-style standards to all breeders, defined under Illinois law as anyone who possesses more than five intact female dogs capable of reproduction.
However, HB 4778 did not advance out of the committee before a key procedural deadline and has been referred back to the House Rules Committee, where it is unlikely to move further this session. For that reason, HB 4778 is likely dead.
In contrast, SB 2990 remains pending and may still come up for a floor vote after the Illinois General Assembly reconvenes from recess on April 14. This Senate bill contains the same restrictive requirements and remains a serious concern for responsible breeders and hobbyists across the state.
Contact Your State Senator:
Illinois hobby breeders are strongly encouraged to contact your State Senator and express your opposition to the breeder regulations portion of Senate Bill 2990. Let them know that many of the requirements are not appropriate or possible for someone raising dogs in their home. For more information and talking points, find the previous alert for SB2990/HB 4778 HERE.
Visit the Find Your Elected Officials box on the homepage of the AKC Legislative Action Center (www.akcgr.org) to find the name and contact information for your Illinois State Senator.
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this bill and all legislation impacting dog owners in Illinois. For questions, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.