MarylandSB 04232026 Regular SessionSenate

Research Facilities and Testing Facilities That Use Animals - Prohibitions and Adoption Requirements (Animal Research Modernization and Best Practices Act of 2026)

Sponsored By: Benjamin F. Kramer (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

AgricultureAdoption - see also- FamLaw; FosterCare; ParentsGuardiansAgriculture, Department ofAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Animals -see also- Birds; Dogs; Domestic An; Horses; LivestkAnimal Shelters and RescuesAssociations -see also- Cooperative AssociationsBiotechnologyChemical TestsCorporations -see also- Municipal Corps; Public Corps & InstDeath -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathDogsDrugs -see also- Cannabis; ControlDangSubst; Pharm; etc.Education -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Electronic GovernmentEthicsFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesHazardous and Toxic Substances -see also- Asbestos; RadiatnHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.ImmunizationInternet -see also- Internet AccessLaboratoriesMedical Conditions -see also- AIDS; COVID-19; rabiesMedical Equipment and DevicesMedical ResearchMedical Testing and DiagnosisMedical TreatmentsPartnershipsPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyReportsScientific Research -see also- ChemTst; MedRsrch; StudiesStandards and Best PracticesTimeVeterinariansWaivers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 3 mixed.

Labs must adopt out dogs and cats

Beginning October 1, 2026, when a vet says a dog or cat is suitable, a research or testing facility must take reasonable steps to place the animal for adoption. The facility must keep a private placement process and a list of approved rescue groups. If private placement fails, the facility must offer the animal to the rescues on its list. Facilities may make agreements with rescue groups to help place animals.

No devocalization and humane euthanasia in labs

Starting October 1, 2026, research and testing facilities may not use dogs or cats that have been devocalized. Facilities also may not perform devocalization surgery on dogs or cats. A dog or cat may be euthanized only by lethal injection of sodium pentobarbital, given under current AVMA guidelines by or under a Maryland‑licensed veterinarian.

Start date and fines for violations

The Act takes effect on October 1, 2026. From that date, a first offense can bring a fine up to $1,000. A second or later offense can bring a fine up to $5,000. Fines apply per offense.

Labs must use nonanimal tests when available

Beginning October 1, 2026, a testing facility may not use a traditional animal test when the federal regulator has approved an alternative or granted a waiver. This rule does not apply to biomedical medical research. If no alternative and no waiver exist, a facility may use a traditional method only with the fewest animals and with pain and stress minimized. Limited exceptions allow use to meet a federal or State requirement when the agency says the approved alternative does not ensure public or environmental safety, and to finish tests started before October 1, 2026 or within 180 days after, only to complete them. An alternative test uses no live vertebrates, gives equal or better science, and is accepted by the responsible federal agency (for example, in vitro or computational methods).

Which research and testing facilities are covered

The law covers in‑state research facilities that use live vertebrate animals for research, education, or experiments. It also covers in‑state testing facilities that use live vertebrates to test chemicals, drugs, vaccines, products, or formulations. Providers that only perform spay and neuter and certain schools or higher education institutions are excluded. These definitions apply starting October 1, 2026.

Yearly lab reports and anonymized public data

On or before December 1, 2028, and each December 1 after, each testing facility must file a yearly report. It must list species used, dogs and cats released and rescue names, test methods used, any waivers, and test purposes. Research facilities that use or keep dogs or cats must also report how many were released and the rescue names. The Secretary posts one anonymized, aggregated report on the Department website. Individual facility reports are not public under the Maryland Public Information Act.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Benjamin F. Kramer
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 167 • No: 13

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 13 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/19/2026