Assembly Bill 1185 aims to prohibit cosmetic animal testing in Wisconsin, defining such testing as the application of cosmetics or their ingredients to live, nonhuman vertebrates. The bill outlines that a cosmetic includes products used for cleansing, beautifying, or altering human appearance, while a cosmetic ingredient refers to any chemical component used in cosmetics. Under the proposed law, cosmetic manufacturers are prohibited from conducting or contracting for animal testing within the state after December 31, 2026, and from manufacturing or importing cosmetics developed using such testing. Additionally, starting July 1, 2027, manufacturers cannot sell cosmetics that were developed using animal testing conducted after the specified date.

The bill includes exceptions to these prohibitions, allowing for animal testing if it is required for compliance with federal or state regulations under certain conditions, such as the lack of alternative testing methods or the necessity to address specific human health concerns. Violations of the law would result in a forfeiture of $5,000, with an additional $1,000 for each day the violation continues. The bill is designed to phase out cosmetic animal testing while ensuring compliance with necessary regulatory requirements.