What does Preamble of AFTER Act of 2026 do?

This bill proposes to amend the Animal Welfare Act. The stated purpose is to allow for the retirement of certain animals used in Federal research. The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 24, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of AFTER Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Animal Freedom from Testing, Experiments, and Research Act of 2026.

What does PLACEMENT OF ANIMALS USED IN FEDERAL RESEARCH. of AFTER Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 14 of the Animal Welfare Act to define terms related to animal placement. It establishes definitions for 'animal rescue organization,' 'animal sanctuary,' 'animal shelter,' 'covered animal,' 'nonprofit organization,' and 'suitable for retirement.' Federal agencies operating laboratory animal facilities or exhibiting animals must comply with standards promulgated by the Secretary. Within 90 days of the AFTER Act of 2026's enactment, federal research facilities must create regulations to facilitate the adoption or placement of animals no longer needed for research and deemed suitable for retirement. These regulations must consider placing animals with organizations beyond the immediate geographic area of the facility. The section clarifies that it does not preempt more stringent state or local laws and does not impede the placement of chimpanzees into sanctuaries. Section 13 of the Animal Welfare Act is amended with technical changes involving the redesignation of subsections.

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AFTER Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/24/2026 · Introduced: 3/24/2026

Author: Susan Collins (R-ME)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to define terms related to animal placement and establish standards for federal agencies to facilitate the adoption or placement of research animals deemed suitable for retirement.
Federal research facilities are required to create regulations within 90 days of the bill's enactment to allow for the adoption or placement of animals no longer needed for research.
The bill clarifies that its provisions do not preempt more stringent state or local laws and do not impede the placement of chimpanzees into sanctuaries.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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