Federal labs would need retirement plans for research animals under new bill
In committeeS. 4172Latest action
Sponsor: Susan M. Collins · Senator · ME
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: AFTER Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 4172 would require federal research facilities to find homes or sanctuaries for healthy retired lab animals within 90 days of enactment.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 4172 amends the Animal Welfare Act to require federal research facilities to establish retirement procedures within 90 days of the law passing. Healthy animals cleared by a licensed veterinarian could be placed with rescue organizations, shelters, sanctuaries, or private adopters. Non-human primates must go to sanctuaries rather than private homes, and common lab rats and mice are not covered.
Who does it affect?
Employees and administrators at federal research facilities would be responsible for creating and following the new retirement procedures. Qualifying rescue groups and sanctuaries nationwide could receive retired animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and primates.
Why does it matter?
Currently no federal requirement exists for what happens to lab animals after research ends. The bill creates a defined pathway that includes national placement searches and specific standards qualifying organizations must meet, such as prohibitions on selling, breeding, public contact, or use of animals in performances.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 24, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Mar 24, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1581-1582)