Legis Daily

AFTER Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4172| Senate 
| Updated: 3/24/2026
Susan M. Collins

Susan M. Collins

Republican Senator

Maine

Cosponsors (1)
Gary C. Peters (Democratic)

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to establish a mandatory retirement and placement program for animals used in federal research. It requires federal research facilities to develop regulations for animals no longer needed for studies and deemed "suitable for retirement" , meaning they are evaluated by a licensed veterinarian as mentally and physically healthy. The legislation aims to facilitate the transition of these animals into permanent, non-research homes. Within 90 days of enactment, federal agencies must issue regulations to encourage adoption or placement with various entities, including animal rescue organizations , animal sanctuaries , animal shelters , or individuals, with nonhuman primates specifically directed to sanctuaries. Facilities must collaborate with nonprofit organizations and consider national placement options. The definition of "covered animal" for retirement purposes explicitly excludes rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus . The bill ensures its provisions do not preempt more stringent state or local animal welfare laws and will not impede the placement of chimpanzees into existing sanctuary systems.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-2322
AFTER Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-1378
AFTER Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-707
AFTER Act of 2023
Mar 24, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Mar 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1581-1582)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-2322
    AFTER Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-1378
    AFTER Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-707
    AFTER Act of 2023


  • March 24, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.


  • March 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1581-1582)

AFTER Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4172| Senate 
| Updated: 3/24/2026
This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to establish a mandatory retirement and placement program for animals used in federal research. It requires federal research facilities to develop regulations for animals no longer needed for studies and deemed "suitable for retirement" , meaning they are evaluated by a licensed veterinarian as mentally and physically healthy. The legislation aims to facilitate the transition of these animals into permanent, non-research homes. Within 90 days of enactment, federal agencies must issue regulations to encourage adoption or placement with various entities, including animal rescue organizations , animal sanctuaries , animal shelters , or individuals, with nonhuman primates specifically directed to sanctuaries. Facilities must collaborate with nonprofit organizations and consider national placement options. The definition of "covered animal" for retirement purposes explicitly excludes rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus . The bill ensures its provisions do not preempt more stringent state or local animal welfare laws and will not impede the placement of chimpanzees into existing sanctuary systems.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-2322
AFTER Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-1378
AFTER Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-707
AFTER Act of 2023
Mar 24, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Mar 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1581-1582)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-2322
    AFTER Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-1378
    AFTER Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-707
    AFTER Act of 2023


  • March 24, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.


  • March 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1581-1582)
Susan M. Collins

Susan M. Collins

Republican Senator

Maine

Cosponsors (1)
Gary C. Peters (Democratic)

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted