WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 1185

Relating to: testing cosmetics on animals and providing a penalty.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Clint Anderson and 12 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bans cosmetic animal testing and the sale, import, or manufacture of products developed using such testing after set dates, with narrow regulatory exemptions.

Senator Keyeski added as a cosponsor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1185

Summary of AB 1185 (Wisconsin, 2025-2026) — Cosmetic Testing on Animals

Purpose and intent

AB 1185 proposes to prohibit or tightly restrict the use of cosmetic animal testing in Wisconsin. The overarching goal is to align state policy with growing concerns about animal welfare in testing and to limit the sale and import of cosmetics developed or manufactured using cosmetic animal testing after a specified date.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 95.75):

    • Cosmetic: Any article applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance, including personal hygiene products (e.g., deodorants, shampoos, conditioners).
    • Cosmetic animal testing: Internal or external application of a cosmetic or its ingredient to the skin, eyes, or other body parts of a live nonhuman vertebrate.
    • Cosmetic ingredient: As defined by 21 CFR 700.3(e).
    • Cosmetic manufacturer: Anyone whose name appears on a cosmetic label under 21 CFR 701.12.

  • Prohibited conduct (Section 95.75(2)):

    • Permanent in-state prohibitions (effective dates):
    • After December 31, 2026: Prohibit cosmetic animal testing conducted in Wisconsin.
    • After December 31, 2026: Prohibit manufacturing or importing into Wisconsin cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients if the manufacturer knows or reasonably should know that they were developed or manufactured using cosmetic animal testing.
    • Beginning July 1, 2027: Prohibit selling or offering for sale in Wisconsin cosmetics if the manufacturer knows or reasonably should know that cosmetics or ingredients were developed or manufactured using cosmetic animal testing.
    • Clarifications:
    • Merely reviewing, assessing, or retaining evidence from cosmetic animal testing does not constitute development or manufacturing using such testing.

  • Exceptions (3 main categories):

    • Testing conducted to comply with federal, state, or foreign regulatory requirements may be exempt if:
    • The tested ingredient is in wide use and there is no substitutes readily available.
    • A substantiated human health need exists with a detailed research protocol.
    • No testing method other than animal testing is accepted by the relevant regulatory agency.
    • Testing conducted to comply with a foreign regulatory agency where no safety evidence used to substantiate a cosmetic sold in Wisconsin was relied upon.
    • Certain exemptions related to cosmetics already subject to specific federal law (21 U.S.C. 351-360fff-8) and other regulatory contexts.
    • Additional exemptions for regulatory mandates unrelated to cosmetics if no safety evidence from animal testing is relied upon, or if there is long-standing noncosmetic use of the ingredient.

  • Penalties (Section 95.75(3)):

    • Violations result in a forfeiture of $5,000 per violation, plus $1,000 for each day the violation continues after the first day.

  • Phase-in/timeline emphasis:

    • The prohibition becomes effective in stages, with the initial prohibition on in-state cosmetic animal testing taking effect after December 31, 2026, and broader prohibitions on manufacturing/importing and selling/receiving for sale phasing in through July 1, 2027.

Who/what is affected

  • Cosmetic manufacturers, packers, and distributors with products labeled for sale in Wisconsin.
  • Cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients developed or manufactured using cosmetic animal testing after the specified dates.
  • The bill targets activities within Wisconsin (in-state testing) and the importation or sale of cosmetics in Wisconsin based on the origin of the testing methodology.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced March 19, 2026, to the Committee on State Affairs.
  • Cosmetic testing prohibition dates:
    • In-state testing: effective after December 31, 2026.
    • Manufacturing/importing for profit into Wisconsin: after December 31, 2026.
    • Selling/offer for sale in Wisconsin: effective July 1, 2027.
  • Penalty structure: $5,000 per violation plus $1,000 per day of continued violation.

Practical impact

  • Sets Wisconsin on a path toward restricting cosmetic animal testing, aligning with several other states and international trends.
  • Creates potential compliance burdens for cosmetic manufacturers and importers, who must verify supply chains and testing origins.
  • Provides narrow regulatory exemptions to preserve necessary testing in certain regulatory contexts, potentially extending protections for public health where no alternatives exist.

Co-sponsors include multiple state representatives and senators, indicating cross-chamber support, though the bill’s fate would depend on committee action and legislative process.

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

Sign in to ask a question.