SPARE Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

This bill matters because it proposes a significant shift in how federally funded scientific research is conducted in the United States. If it becomes law, it would fundamentally change research practices, potentially accelerating the development and adoption of advanced non-animal research methods like organ-on-chip technology and AI. This could lead to more ethical research practices and potentially more relevant results for human biology, as some argue non-animal models can be more accurate than animal models.

If the bill doesn't become law, federally funded animal research would continue under current regulations, potentially missing an opportunity to reduce animal suffering and invest more heavily in emerging technologies. Voters should care because it touches on ethical considerations regarding animal welfare, the efficiency of taxpayer spending on science, and the future direction and pace of medical and scientific discovery in the country.

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Prohibits federal funding for research, testing, and experimentation that uses animals.

This provision would dramatically change how a vast amount of scientific research is conducted in the U.S., impacting fields from drug development to basic behavioral science.

high

Establishes a Federal Research Modernization Fund to support the transition to non-animal research methods.

This fund would provide resources for scientists to develop and adopt alternative technologies, which is crucial for the successful implementation of the prohibition.

med

Requires federally funded facilities to establish programs for rehoming animals used in research that becomes prohibited.

This ensures the welfare of animals that would be retired from research, preventing them from being euthanized if suitable homes can be found.

high

Imposes civil penalties of up to $250,000 and grant prohibitions for contractors or grantees who violate the ban.

These penalties provide strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new prohibitions on animal research.

med

Includes delayed application periods (18 months to 3 years) for different types of research before the full prohibition takes effect.

This phased approach allows researchers and institutions time to adapt their methods and transition away from animal use, recognizing the complexity of the change.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

18 months after the date of the enactment of this section

Prohibition on animal use in cosmetic testing, toxicity testing, or basic psychological or behavioral experimenting takes effect.

3 years after the date of the enactment of this section

Prohibition on animal use in biomedical experimenting or drug testing takes effect.

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section

Director of the National Science Foundation, through the Federal Research Modernization Fund, shall establish grant programs and training.

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section

Federally funded research facilities must establish an animal release program.

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

TYPE	AMOUNT	WHO
civil	Not more than $250,000	Federal contractor, subcontractor, or grantee that violates the prohibition or rehoming requirements.
administrative	Prohibition from receiving Federal grants for research, testing, and experimentation for a specified period.	Federal contractor, subcontractor, or grantee that violates the prohibition or rehoming requirements.
administrative	Implement a corrective plan, which may include reporting requirements.	Federal department or agency that violates the prohibition or rehoming requirements.

GLOSSARY

AI-written

Federally funded research: Scientific studies, testing, or experiments that receive financial support from the U.S. government.
Grantee: An individual, organization, or institution that receives money from the federal government, often for specific research projects.
Human-cell-based models: Research methods that use human cells grown in a lab, rather than live animals, to study diseases or test treatments.
Organ-on-chip technology: Small devices about the size of a USB stick that contain living human cells and mimic the functions of human organs, used for research and drug testing.
Sanctuary: A protected place where animals can live safely, often for the rest of their lives, without being used for research or other purposes.
Civil penalty: A fine or monetary charge imposed by a government agency for violating a law, rather than a criminal charge.
Three Rs (Reduce, Refine, Replace): An ethical framework for animal research that aims to reduce the number of animals used, refine procedures to minimize suffering, and replace animals with non-animal alternatives whenever possible.

ACTION TIMELINE

4 EVENTS

MAR 28, 25

Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

COMMITTEE

MAR 28, 25

Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

COMMITTEE

MAR 3, 25

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

MAR 3, 25

Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

INTROREFERRAL

READER REACTIONS

0 COMMENTS

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What do you think?

0 votes

Discussion

Loading comments...

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Science, Space, and Technology CommitteeReferred

Mar 3, 2025

house

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

SPARE Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Search

SPARE Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

SPARE Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals