HB666

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

Chamber Passed·4/9/26

Maryland HB666 regulates animal use in research and testing facilities, prohibiting certain procedures and requiring adherence to best practices.

Maryland HB666, the Animal Research Modernization and Best Practices Act of 2026, mandates that research and testing facilities using animals must prioritize alternative test methods over traditional animal test methods. It prohibits the use of dogs and cats that have undergone devocalization surgery for research purposes and restricts euthanasia to methods involving a lethal injection of sodium pentobarbital administered by a licensed veterinarian or under their supervision.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 121–13 · Apr 9
Current
Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee
Next
Senate floor vote

Sponsors

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11
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Third Reading Passed

121 Yea

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13 Nay

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2 Not Voting

DR

5 Absent

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Calendar

Feb 18

1:00 PM

House Environment and Transportation Hearing

History

Apr 13

Senate

Rereferred to Education, Energy, and the Environment

Apr 10

Senate

Referred Rules

Apr 9

House

Favorable with Amendments {443523/1 Adopted