Illinois · House Bill 4539 · 104th General Assembly

DCFS-MINIMUM AGE-PERPETRATOR

HB 4539 Sponsored by Barbara Hernandez Passed one chamber

  1. Introduced Jan 22, 2026
  2. In committee Jan 30, 2026
  3. Passed the House Apr 8, 2026
  4. Passed the Senate Next
  5. To the governor  
  6. Became law  

What it does

The legislature's own summary of the bill, or its official long title.

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In the definition of "abused child", changes the list of persons who may be considered a perpetrator of abuse to include a child's parent, a parent's paramour, or any other person 14 years of age or older who is either responsible for the child's welfare, is an immediate family member, or resides in the same home as the child. Provides that, if the Department of…

Read the full title (179 words)

Amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. In the definition of "abused child", changes the list of persons who may be considered a perpetrator of abuse to include a child's parent, a parent's paramour, or any other person 14 years of age or older who is either responsible for the child's welfare, is an immediate family member, or resides in the same home as the child. Provides that, if the Department of Children and Family Services does not accept an abuse or neglect report for investigation on the sole basis that the alleged perpetrator is another person in the household under the age of 14, then the Department shall consider if there is reasonable cause to suspect that the alleged maltreatment is the result of blatant disregard on the part of an adult or agency who is an eligible perpetrator. Provides that, if so, the Department shall accept a report alleging abuse or neglect identifying the adult or agency as the alleged perpetrator. Permits the Department to also consider whether a child welfare service referral would be appropriate.

Every action

22 steps, oldest first, as the legislature records them.

Show the 14 earlier steps
  1. HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez
  2. HouseFirst Reading
  3. CommitteeReferred to Rules Committee · House Rules
  4. CommitteeAssigned to Adoption & Child Welfare Committee · House Adoption & Child Welfare
  5. HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez
  6. CommitteeHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee · House Rules
  7. CommitteeHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Adoption & Child Welfare Committee · House Adoption & Child Welfare
  8. CommitteeHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Adoption & Child Welfare Committee; by Voice Vote · House Adoption & Child Welfare
  9. CommitteeDo Pass as Amended / Short Debate Adoption & Child Welfare Committee; 012-000-000 · House Adoption & Child Welfare
  10. HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
  11. HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez
  12. CommitteeHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee · House Rules
  13. CommitteeHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Rules Committee; 005-000-000 · House Rules
  14. HouseHouse Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted
  1. HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
  2. HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
  3. HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 102-002-001
  4. SenateArrive in Senate
  5. SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading
  6. SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Celina Villanueva
  7. SenateFirst Reading
  8. CommitteeReferred to Assignments · Senate Assignments

Roll calls

2 recorded votes: 1 on the floor, 1 in committee. Each shows how every member voted.

Third Reading · Full House

Passed 102–2
Apr 8, 2026 · journal entry
Yes 102 No 2 Not voting 14
Democrats: 68 yes, 1 no Republicans: 34 yes, 1 no
How each member voted

Yes · 102

No · 2

Not voting · 6

Excused · 8

Committee and other votes

DateWhereQuestionResult
Mar 18, 2026 House Adoption & Child Welfare Adoption & Child Welfare - Do Pass
Members

Yes · 12

 Passed 12–0

Sponsors

The member who introduced it.

From Illinois's official records (www.ilga.gov), checked Nov 2, 2026. Text links go to the official versions; LegiList does not copy bill text.