H.R. 1802 — SPARE Act

This section states the following congressional findings: (1) tens of millions of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, primates, and other species, are used annually in federally funded research; (2) many of these animals cost taxpayers thousands of dollars each, totaling billions annually in inefficient and unnecessary research costs; (3) modern non-animal alternatives, such as human-cell-based models, artificial intelligence, and organ-on-chip technology, provide more reliable and ethical research methods; (4) continued animal use in federally funded research contradicts Three Rs (Reduce, Refine, Replace) policy goals to reduce reliance on animal models; and (5) many such animals are viable for adoption or sanctuary placement after experiments end.

This section prohibits Federal departments, agencies, contractors, subcontractors, and grantees from authorizing, obligating or expending funds for, or otherwise engaging in, research, testing, and experimentation that utilizes an animal, subject to exceptions, delayed implementation, sanctions, and transition requirements. Specifically, the prohibition applies immediately except (1) 18 months after enactment for cosmetic testing, toxicity testing, or basic psychological or behavioral experimentation; and (2) three years after enactment for biomedical or drug testing. Exceptions include (1) clinical veterinary research or physical exams, training programs, or studies relating to military animals (i.e., working dogs used by the military, per current law) or service animals; and (2) research on infectious diseases or national security if Congress enacts a joint resolution authorizing it for up to one year, following an application certifying sparse animal use and no alternatives. Violators among contractors, subcontractors, or grantees face civil penalties of up to $250,000 and potential prohibition from future Federal grants for research; Federal departments and agencies must implement corrective plans as prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture or NIH Director. The section establishes the Federal Research Modernization Fund in the National Science Foundation to, within one year of enactment, award competitive grants (including at least one to a non-profit rescue or rehabilitation organization) for transitioning to non-animal methods, provide transition training to contractors, facilitate entity collaborations, and support validation and standardization of non-animal methods. Additionally, federally funded research facilities must, within one year of enactment, establish programs to release prohibited research animals—after veterinary certification of suitability and consultation with accredited sanctuaries or behavioral specialists—to animal rescue organizations, accredited sanctuaries, licensed shelters, or eligible individuals, with quarterly reporting to USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and NIH's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare beginning 16 months after enactment.