Bill > H1948

This bill aims to protect nonhuman primate (NHP) infants in research and product testing facilities by establishing new regulations regarding their treatment. The legislation defines key terms such as "research institution" and "product testing facility" and specifically covers various NHP species including macaques, monkeys, and baboons. The bill prohibits research institutions and product testing facilities from separating infant NHPs from their biological mothers during the first 12 months of life, with exceptions only for medical welfare purposes. When temporary separation is necessary, the bill mandates that psychological and physical distress must be minimized without using sedatives or restraint equipment, and mother-infant reunification should occur as soon as medically possible. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner is tasked with creating and enforcing regulations to implement these protections, with a 90-day timeline for developing implementation guidelines. The provisions will take effect 90 days after the bill's passage, providing research facilities time to adjust their practices to comply with the new requirements.