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SB 423

Research Facilities and Testing Facilities That Use Animals - Prohibitions and Adoption Requirements (Animal Research Modernization and Best Practices Act of 2026)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Kramer

Maryland bill mandates animal welfare protections and adoption programs at research facilities, potentially increasing operational costs while improving post-research animal outcomes.

Returned Passed
0
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Bill Summary · SB 423

Legislative bill overview

SB 423 establishes new regulations for research and testing facilities in Maryland that use animals, imposing prohibitions on certain practices and requiring adoption programs for animals after research use. The bill appears designed to modernize animal research standards and improve welfare outcomes for animals used in scientific studies.

Why is this important

Animal research regulations directly affect how Maryland-based pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutions conduct business and allocate resources. The bill reflects growing public concern about animal welfare in research while potentially impacting the competitiveness and costs of research operations in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope of prohibitions: The specific practices being prohibited aren't detailed in available information, but could range from minor restrictions to significant limitations on research methodologies, affecting scientific freedom and research types conducted in Maryland
  • Adoption program costs and logistics: Mandatory adoption requirements could impose substantial operational and administrative burdens on facilities, potentially increasing research costs or causing some facilities to relocate to other states
  • Exemptions and enforcement mechanisms: Unclear whether certain types of research (medical, pharmaceutical, educational) receive different treatment, and how violations would be enforced, potentially creating compliance uncertainty

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

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