WeVote

Bill

Bill

HR 297

HELP PETS Act

119th Congress Introduced by Nicole Malliotakis

The HELP PETS Act restricts federal funding for higher education research causing animal pain, promoting humane treatment and ethical standards in scientific studies.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 297

Summary of HR 297 - HELP PETS Act

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 297
  • Title: Higher Education Loses Payments for Painful Experiments, Tests and Studies Act (HELP PETS Act)
  • Status: Introduced in House
  • Introduced Date: January 09, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The HELP PETS Act aims to address ethical concerns regarding the use of animals in painful experiments, tests, and studies conducted by institutions of higher education. The legislation seeks to promote humane treatment of animals by imposing restrictions on federal funding for research that involves significant pain or distress to animals.

Key Provisions

  • Funding Restrictions: The bill proposes that institutions of higher education will lose access to federal funding for research if they engage in experiments that cause pain or suffering to animals without appropriate justification or oversight.
  • Ethical Standards: The legislation emphasizes the need for higher ethical standards in animal research, encouraging institutions to seek alternatives to painful testing methods.
  • Oversight Mechanisms: The bill may include provisions for increased oversight and reporting requirements for institutions conducting animal research, ensuring compliance with humane treatment standards.

Affected Parties

  • Higher Education Institutions: Colleges and universities that conduct research involving animals will be directly impacted by the funding restrictions outlined in the bill.
  • Researchers: Scientists and researchers who rely on federal funding for their work may need to adjust their methodologies to comply with the new ethical standards.
  • Animal Welfare Advocates: The bill is likely to be supported by animal rights organizations and advocates who seek to reduce animal suffering in research settings.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • Introduced in House: January 09, 2025
  • Referred to Committee: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.

Related Legislation

  • HR 233: This bill is noted as a companion bill, which may share similar objectives or provisions related to animal welfare in research.

Conclusion

The HELP PETS Act represents a significant step towards enhancing the ethical treatment of animals in research conducted by higher education institutions. By imposing funding restrictions on painful experiments, the bill aims to foster a more humane approach to scientific inquiry while ensuring that federal resources are allocated to research that adheres to higher ethical standards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.