Bill > S640

This bill aims to limit animal testing for products and chemicals in Massachusetts by requiring manufacturers and contract testing facilities to use alternative test methods when valid non-animal testing options are available. The bill defines key terms such as "alternative test method" (which includes computational toxicology, high-throughput screening, and in vitro studies) and "traditional animal test method" (testing that uses animals). Specifically, the legislation prohibits using animal testing when an alternative method exists, with an important exception for medical research. The Commissioner of Public Health will be responsible for creating regulations to implement this law, including establishing standards for alternative test methods that ensure safety and result validity. The commissioner must consider international guidelines from the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development when setting these standards. The bill will take effect 6 months after passage, with the commissioner required to create implementing regulations within 180 days. This legislation represents a significant step toward reducing animal testing in product development while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S640