HB4540Introduced in the House
POSSESSION DISPUTES-PETS
Introduced by Barbara Hernandez, District 50
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act. Amends the Replevin Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Makes "companion animals" subject to the Replevin Article. Defines a "companion animal" to mean an animal that is commonly considered to be, or is considered by the owner to be, a pet. Provides that "companion animal" includes, but is not limited to, canines, felines, and equines. Provides that if a companion animal is the subject of an action of replevin, at the initiation and pendency of a dispute, a court, exercising discretion set forth in the new provisions, may issue temporary possession or caregiving orders, including limited visitation, if necessary to reduce stress or disruption to the companion animal. References current replevin law regarding exceptions to the requirement of notice. Provides criteria for judicial determinations in a possession dispute involving a companion animal.
Where it stands
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0613
July 24, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
SenateStage: Senate Third Reading · May 19, 2026
52
Yes
7
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
59 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Javier Cervantes | 1 | Yes |
| Omar Aquino | 2 | Yes |
| Mattie Hunter | 3 | Yes |
| Kimberly Lightford | 4 | Yes |
| Lakesia Collins | 5 | Yes |
| Sara Feigenholtz | 6 | Yes |
| Mike Simmons | 7 | Yes |
| Ram Villivalam | 8 | Yes |
| Laura Fine | 9 | Yes |
| Robert Martwick | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez
First Reading
Referred to Rules Committee
Assigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee
Do Pass / Short Debate Judiciary - Civil Committee; 013-007-000
Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dagmara Avelar
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Judiciary - Civil Committee
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Judiciary - Civil Committee; 013-007-000
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Justin Cochran
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Edgar González, Jr.
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Anne Stava
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Norma Hernandez
Second Reading - Short Debate
Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 072-038-000
Arrive in Senate
Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading
Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes
First Reading
Referred to Assignments
Assigned to Judiciary
Do Pass Judiciary; 008-000-000
Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 7, 2026
Second Reading
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 18, 2026
Third Reading - Passed; 052-007-000
Passed Both Houses
Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz
Sent to the Governor
Governor Approved
Effective Date January 1, 2027
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0613
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