SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2023 SESSION

  • | print version

SB 1271 Animal testing facilities; public notifications, definitions.

Introduced by: Jennifer B. Boysko | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Animal testing facilities; public notification. Requires any animal testing facility, contract testing facility, or manufacturer, as defined in the bill, that uses an animal test method to display a link to its annual report (APHIS Form 7023) on the homepage or landing page of the facility's or manufacturer's website on or before December 1 for the preceding federal fiscal year. The bill requires an animal testing facility to make certain inspection reports publicly available by displaying a link to access such reports on the home page or landing page of the animal testing facility's website or, if such animal testing facility does not have a website, making such information available by means of a press release or other similar publication. The bill requires any animal testing facility operated by an institution of higher education that receives a citation for critical noncompliance, as defined in the bill, under the Animal Welfare Act or regulations adopted thereunder to notify the leadership of such institution, including the president, dean, and board of visitors or board of trustees. The provisions of the bill do not apply to any federal facility or privately owned licensed veterinary practice. This bill is identical to HB 2348.

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Animal testing; annual report. Requires any animal testing facility, as defined in the bill, using animal test methods to annually submit on or before December 1 to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services a report for the preceding federal fiscal year with the name of the facility and the total number of animals used for research, education, testing, or experimental, scientific, or biomedical purposes.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Animal testing; annual report; whistle blower protections created; Animal Welfare Whistle Blower Reward Fund established; civil penalty. Requires state and private facilities using animal test methods to annually submit on or before December 1 to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services a report regarding the use of animals in biomedical or behavioral research for the preceding year. The bill also creates whistle blower protections for any violations of any animal care requirements and establishes the Animal Welfare Whistle Blower Reward Fund to provide monetary rewards to persons who have disclosed any such violations. Finally, the bill provides that violations will result in a civil penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $2,500.