Commerce Committee advances animal-testing bill after narrowing amendment

Senators on the Committee on Commerce voted to advance Senate Bill 444 after adopting a committee amendment that narrowed the original proposal.

The bill originally prohibited the use of animal testing where comparable non‑animal methods are available. Chair members presented committee amendment 7-25s, which strips a proposed ban on selling products on store shelves and relaxes restrictions on biomedical research, language the chair described as “an improvement on the initial bill.” A member moved that the bill ‘‘ought to pass’’ and the committee adopted the amendment and then voted by voice to advance the bill.

Supporters framed the change as a way to preserve research while extending consumer protections; opponents did not force a roll-call vote and debate was limited in the committee record. The amendment vote and the bill vote were taken by voice; the transcript records 'aye' responses and no roll‑call tally was recorded. The committee moved the bill forward to the House/finance as appropriate.

The committee’s action keeps the narrower prohibition while signaling continued interest in balancing research exceptions and consumer protection. The next step is the bill’s movement to the chamber indicated by the chair (House or Finance) for further consideration.