The bill, Substitute House Bill No. 6277, mandates that public and private institutions of higher education must offer for adoption any rabbit, guinea pig, or ferret that has been used for research or testing, under specific conditions. These conditions include that the research or testing must be completed, the destruction of the animal is not required, and the animal is no longer needed by the institution. This requirement builds upon existing law, which already obligates these institutions to offer cats and dogs for adoption under similar circumstances. The bill allows institutions to enter into agreements with animal adoption or rescue organizations, which are defined as collaborations of individuals or nonprofit organizations that facilitate the placement of animals removed from shelters or homes.

The bill also introduces new legal language by expanding the types of animals eligible for adoption to include rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets, in addition to cats and dogs. The effective date for this legislation is set for October 1, 2025. Importantly, the fiscal impact of this bill is projected to be negligible, as it is not expected to affect the costs associated with scientific research conducted by these institutions.

Statutes affected:
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 703: