Bill > HB401

This bill establishes new regulations for animal testing in New Hampshire, specifically targeting state-funded research facilities. The legislation defines key terms such as "animal" (any vertebrate except humans), "biomedical research" (scientific investigation of biological processes and disease causes), and "direct benefit of animals" (research specifically designed to improve the health or medical treatment of the tested species). Under the new law, testing facilities receiving state funding are prohibited from using traditional animal test methods unless the testing directly benefits the animals being tested. If a facility violates this requirement, it will immediately lose its state funding. Additionally, starting January 1, 2027, all testing facilities in the state must submit annual reports to legislative leadership detailing the number and species of animals used, types of test methods employed, and the purpose of their testing. The bill aims to restrict animal testing to only those procedures that have a clear and immediate medical or health benefit for the animals themselves, effectively limiting potentially harmful or unnecessary research practices. The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving research facilities time to adjust their practices to comply with the new requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0783&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB401