Senate Bill 85, a measure aimed at allowing animals that were research subjects to be adopted when appropriate, was adopted on the Senate floor and advanced for subsequent legislative steps on March 4.

Senator Kipp, speaking for the bill, said SB85 “requires facilities that test on animals to adopt out healthy and safe dogs and cats when the research has concluded.” She described the bill as straightforward, with minimal reporting requirements and reasonable exceptions for animal health or safety that could permit euthanasia.

Senator Carson supported the measure and said she voted for it in committee, noting stakeholder input and that the requirement to report all animals used in research had been removed; only adoption-program numbers would be reported. Senator Rich expressed concern about fiscal notes and how departmental differences are reflected in fiscal analysis, citing Colorado State University’s estimate that implementation could require an appropriation of $50,000. Senator Kent responded that the fiscal-analyst number reflected existing program costs at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and that the fiscal note likely would be revised in the next version.

The Health and Human Services committee report was adopted on the floor and the motion to adopt the bill carried. Subsequent committee-of-the-whole reporting shows the committee recommended SB85, as amended, pass second reading and be ordered engrossed; the committee report was adopted on a 33-0 vote later in the day.

Sponsors said the bill balances recognition of the research value of animals and an effort to provide adoption opportunities for animals that are healthy and safe for rehoming.