William Davis, State Representative for 30th District | https://www.facebook.com/STATEREPRESENTATIVEWILLIAMDAVIS/
William Davis, State Representative for 30th District | https://www.facebook.com/STATEREPRESENTATIVEWILLIAMDAVIS/
According to the Illinois General Assembly site, the legislature summarized the bill's official text as follows: "Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Defines "professional breeder". Provides that an animal shelter shall not accept a dog or cat from an animal shelter licensed under the Act or an out-of-state animal control facility, rescue group, or animal shelter that is duly licensed in their state or is a not-for-profit organization unless it obtains documentation attesting that the dog or cat was not obtained through compensation or payment made to a cat breeder, dog breeder, dog dealer, or dog broker. Provides that an animal shelter shall not obtain a dog or cat by any means other than owner surrender, transfer from an animal control facility, an order by law enforcement, or an animal shelter in compliance with provisions concerning reporting of animals. Provides that a pet shop operator or dog dealer (rather than just a pet shop operator) may offer for sale a dog or cat only if the dog or cat is obtained from an animal control facility, animal shelter, or professional breeder (rather than just an animal control facility or an animal shelter) located in-state or out-of-state, that is in compliance with provisions concerning animal control facilities and animal shelters supplying to pet shop operators and requirements of professional dog breeders. Removes provisions concerning the requirement that a pet shop operator shall keep a record of each dog or cat offered for sale. Provides for requirements of professional dog breeders."
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to define "professional breeder" and impose stricter regulations on animal shelters, pet shop operators, and dog dealers in Illinois. It prohibits animal shelters from accepting dogs or cats without documentation that they were not obtained through compensation to breeders and prevents shelters from acquiring dogs or cats by means other than owner surrender, transfer from compliant facilities, or law enforcement orders. Pet shop operators and dog dealers are restricted to sourcing animals only from compliant facilities or breeders. The bill outlines specific welfare requirements for professional dog breeders, including enclosure standards, breeding practices, and veterinary care, with compliance assessed by state authorities. Breeders must maintain and provide detailed veterinary and wellness records for each animal. Effective dates for specific requirements are included, notably the enhanced enclosure metrics effective Dec. 31, 2026.
William "Will" Davis has proposed one other bill since the beginning of the 104th session.
Davis graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1989 with a BA.
William "Will" Davis is currently serving in the Illinois State House, representing the state's 30th House District. He replaced previous state representative Harold Murphy in 2003.
Bills in Illinois follow a multi-step legislative process, beginning with introduction in either the House or Senate, followed by committee review, floor debates, and votes in both chambers before reaching the governor for approval or veto. The General Assembly operates on a biennial schedule, and while typically thousands of bills are introduced each session, only a fraction successfully pass through the process to become law.
You can read more about bills and other measures here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| HB1556 | 01/21/2025 | Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Defines "professional breeder". Provides that an animal shelter shall not accept a dog or cat from an animal shelter licensed under the Act or an out-of-state animal control facility, rescue group, or animal shelter that is duly licensed in their state or is a not-for-profit organization unless it obtains documentation attesting that the dog or cat was not obtained through compensation or payment made to a cat breeder, dog breeder, dog dealer, or dog broker. Provides that an animal shelter shall not obtain a dog or cat by any means other than owner surrender, transfer from an animal control facility, an order by law enforcement, or an animal shelter in compliance with provisions concerning reporting of animals. Provides that a pet shop operator or dog dealer (rather than just a pet shop operator) may offer for sale a dog or cat only if the dog or cat is obtained from an animal control facility, animal shelter, or professional breeder (rather than just an animal control facility or an animal shelter) located in-state or out-of-state, that is in compliance with provisions concerning animal control facilities and animal shelters supplying to pet shop operators and requirements of professional dog breeders. Removes provisions concerning the requirement that a pet shop operator shall keep a record of each dog or cat offered for sale. Provides for requirements of professional dog breeders. |
| HB1224 | 01/09/2025 | Creates the State Agency Retainage Act. Provides that, if a State agency determines that satisfactory progress has not been achieved by a contractor or subcontractor during any period for which a payment is to be made, a percentage of the payment may be retained by the State agency. Prohibits the amount of retainage under the Act from exceeding 10% of the amount of any and all draw amounts submitted and approved under the terms of the contract until the contract is 50% completed. Prohibits retainage of more than 5% of the contract of the amount of any and all draw amounts submitted and approved under the terms of the contract for the duration of the contract. Authorizes retainage to be adjusted as the contract approaches completion to recognize better than expected performance, the ability to rely on alternative safeguards, and other factors. Further provides that on completion of all contract requirements, amounts retained under the Act must be paid promptly. Defines the terms "retainage" and "State agency". Amends the State Prompt Payment Act. Specifies that the State Prompt Payment Act does not apply to retainage withheld under the State Agency Retainage Act. |
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