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

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Adoption paths for research dogs and cats

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland research and testing facilities must take reasonable steps to arrange adoption for eligible dogs and cats. The facility must find the animal is no longer needed for scientific research, and an attending veterinarian must approve adoption. Facilities must set up private placement and maintain a list of approved rescue organizations willing to accept animals. If private placement fails, facilities must offer the animal to organizations on that list. Eligible organizations include nonprofit rescues and government animal control units that rescue animals; facilities can make agreements with them.

Fewer animal tests when alternatives are approved

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland testing facilities cannot use live-animal tests when the responsible agency approves an alternative or makes a waiver available. This also applies when the agency grants a waiver, but the restriction does not cover medical research. An alternative uses no live animals, meets or exceeds the scientific quality, and has acceptance from the relevant federal regulator. Without an approved alternative or waiver, facilities must use the fewest animals possible and minimize pain, suffering, and stress. Traditional tests remain allowed to meet federal or state requirements when the agency finds the alternative inadequate for public or environmental safety. Tests begun before October 1, 2026, or within 180 days after agency approval of an alternative method or strategy can continue only until completed.

New protections for research dogs and cats

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland research and testing facilities cannot perform surgery to silence dogs or cats. They also cannot use dogs or cats that have undergone that surgery. Euthanasia must follow the most current American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines. A licensed veterinarian must perform it or provide direct or indirect supervision.

Animal facilities face reporting rules and fines

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland's rules cover public and private testing entities and facilities using live vertebrate animals for research, education, or experiments. Entities providing only beneficial animal services are excluded; schools and colleges are excluded from the testing-facility definition, not the research-facility definition. The Agriculture Secretary enforces the law, with fines up to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for later offenses. Annual reports are first due December 1, 2028, and cover the preceding fiscal year. Testing facilities must report animal counts by species, test methods and counts, waivers used, and test purposes. They must also report dogs and cats released to rescues and the receiving organizations' names. Research facilities using or keeping dogs or cats must report those rescue placements and organization names. The Department must post an annual combined, anonymous report, while facility submissions are exempt from Maryland public-information disclosure.

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: 5

Senate vote • 3/19/2026