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Bill

S 2599

Requires certain animals used in testing to be offered for adoption; requires establishment of procedures for assessment and disposition of animals; establishes penalties for noncompliance.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Bucco and 15 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill requires research facilities to offer test animals for adoption instead of euthanasia, with penalties for noncompliance and mandatory assessment procedures.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
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Bill Summary · S 2599

Legislative bill overview

S 2599 requires that animals used in laboratory and research testing be offered for adoption rather than euthanized upon completion of testing. The bill mandates establishment of assessment and disposition procedures for test animals and creates penalties for facilities that fail to comply with adoption requirements.

Why is this important

Millions of animals are used annually in U.S. research and testing, with most euthanized at the end of studies. This bill directly affects the fate of these animals and could shift practices at New Jersey research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and contract testing laboratories. It also raises questions about implementation costs, animal welfare standards during rehoming, and whether facilities might relocate to avoid compliance.

Potential points of contention

  • Practical rehoming challenges: Not all research animals are suitable for adoption (behavioral issues, health conditions, specialized care needs); determining which animals qualify and who bears rehoming/medical costs remains undefined
  • Facility compliance burden: Establishing adoption networks and assessment procedures creates operational costs that may be passed to industry or taxpayers; facilities may argue this makes New Jersey less competitive for research jobs
  • Animal welfare concerns: Advocates may debate whether adoption always serves animal welfare better than humane euthanasia, especially for animals with severe health or behavioral complications from testing

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

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