prohibiting the use of animal testing when other comparable methods are available.

Institutions of higher education (colleges and universities) are now explicitly excluded from the definition of 'testing facility,' meaning they are not subject to the animal testing prohibition or reporting requirements in this chapter.

Seven cosmetic-specific definitions were removed: 'cosmetic animal testing,' 'cosmetic,' 'cosmetic ingredient,' 'cosmetic manufacturer,' 'cosmetic product,' 'non-functional constituent,' and 'supplier.' These definitions had no corresponding operative provisions, so their removal is largely cleanup but signals the bill is not specifically targeted at the cosmetics industry.

The annual reporting requirement was completed with specific data elements: number and species of animals used, type and number of alternative methods used, number of waivers used, and reasons for using each method. The governor's commission must make results publicly available within 90 days of receiving the report.

Testing facilities must submit their first annual report by January 20, 2028 (or the next business day). The act takes effect January 1, 2027.

A standard severability clause was added as Section 359-V:3, ensuring that if one provision is struck down, the rest of the chapter remains in force.