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Life‑science industry urges committee to narrow proposed animal‑testing reporting language
Summary
A proposed amendment to require disclosure of animal testing and alternative methods drew pushback from life‑science industry representatives who said the language would sweep in private biotech, create IP and safety risks, and should be aligned with the federal Animal Welfare Act (which exempts routine rodent testing).
The subcommittee considered an amendment that would require testing facilities to report animal testing methods and the use of alternatives. Andrea Hvaria, president and CEO of New Hampshire Life Sciences, said the draft language as written would pull private biotech companies into an unprecedented state reporting program and noted most biomedical research uses rats and mice. "This reporting requirement would actually create a significant regulatory burden for these companies," she said, urging alignment with the federal Animal Welfare Act and exemptions for mice and rats used in routine research.
Industry witnesses warned of security, personnel‑safety and intellectual‑property risks if early‑stage companies were required to publish details about their testing or methods. Committee members said the subcommittee’s immediate goal was narrower: collect baseline information about whether and what testing occurs in the state before considering prohibitions or broader restrictions. Some members agreed to refine the language so it mirrors federal scope and to consider carved‑out exemptions for routine rodent research.
The panel voted on the amendment in subcommittee and the transcript records a 4–2 voice vote tally in favor of moving the amendment forward. Members also asked legislative staff to amend the draft to clarify scope and to return with revised language.
