Substitute House Bill No. 6277, also known as Public Act No. 25-129, amends Section 10a-150e of the general statutes to facilitate the adoption of certain animals from institutions of higher education. The bill defines "animal adoption or animal rescue organization" as any nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that focuses on the sale or placement of animals removed from shelters or homes. The act mandates that each public and independent institution of higher education must offer for adoption any cat, rabbit, guinea pig, ferret, or dog that is no longer needed for research or testing, provided that such research does not require the destruction of the animal.

The bill introduces new provisions by including rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets in the list of animals eligible for adoption, expanding the scope beyond just cats and dogs. It also allows institutions to enter into agreements with animal adoption or rescue organizations to ensure compliance with the adoption requirements. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 703:
Public Act No. 25-129: