Maryland legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Maryland SB423: Research Facilities and Testing Facilities That Use Animals - Prohibitions and Adoption Requirements (Animal Research Modernization and Best Practices Act of 2026)
Status: Signed into law, April 28, 2026
Prohibiting a research facility or a testing facility from using certain dogs and cats for research or testing purposes; prohibiting a research facility or testing facility from performing devocalization procedures on dogs or cats; prohibiting a testing facility from using traditional animal test methods under certain circumstances; applying certain provisions of law regarding the adoption of dogs and cats used for scientific research purposes to testing facilities; etc.
What the bill says
An act concerning Research Facilities and Testing Facilities That Use Animals - Prohibitions and Adoption Requirements (Animal Research Modernization and Best Practices Act of 2026) FOR the purpose of prohibiting a research facility or testing facility from using certain dogs and cats for research or testing purposes; prohibiting a research facility or testing facility from performing certain procedures on dogs or cats; prohibiting a testing facility from using traditional animal test methods under certain circumstances…
From the enrolled text, May 5, 2026:
AN ACT concerning Research Facilities and Testing Facilities That Use Animals - Prohibitions and Adoption Requirements (Animal Research Modernization and Best Practices Act of 2026) FOR the purpose of prohibiting a research facility or testing facility from using certain dogs and cats for research or testing purposes; prohibiting a research facility or testing facility from performing certain procedures on dogs or cats; prohibiting a testing facility from using traditional animal test methods under certain circumstances; applying certain provisions of law regarding the adoption of dogs and cats used for scientific research purposes to testing facilities; and generally relating to research facilities and testing facilities that use animals in research, education, or testing. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Agriculture Section 15-101 to be under the amended title "Title 15. Research Facilities and Testing Facilities That Use Animals" Annotated Code of Maryland (2016 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY adding to Article - Agriculture Section 15-101 through 15-103, 15-105, and 15-106 Annotated Code of Maryland (2016 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) Preamble WHEREAS, Scientific research and medical innovation are essential to protecting public health and advancing knowledge; and WHEREAS, The State has a compelling interest in ensuring that scientific research and medical innovation are conducted in a manner that is ethical, responsible, and consistent with evolving scientific standards; and …