Bill > H989

This bill creates new regulations concerning animal testing in product development within Massachusetts, establishing that manufacturers and contract testing facilities must use alternative test methods when valid non-animal testing options exist. The bill defines several key terms, including "alternative test method" (a process obtaining biological information without using animals, such as computational toxicology or in vitro studies) and "traditional animal test method" (a process using animals to gather biological exposure information). Specifically, the law prohibits using animal testing when an alternative method is available, with an important exception for medical research. The Commissioner of Public Health will be responsible for creating regulations to implement these requirements, including establishing standards for alternative test methods, with guidance from the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development's chemical testing guidelines. The bill mandates that these regulations must be developed within 180 days of the act's passage, with the substantive testing restrictions taking effect six months after passage. This legislation aims to reduce animal testing by promoting scientifically valid alternative research methods while maintaining research and product safety standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H989