Beagle Liberation Act of 2026
Requires federally funded research facilities to make reasonable efforts to place retired dogs and cats with qualified adoption organizations.
In the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 11 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Research dogs and cats may need a new placement when they are no longer needed for studies or other work. The bill would require covered facilities receiving Federal funding to make reasonable efforts to transfer those animals to qualified adoption organizations. It would allow euthanasia in specified circumstances certified by a licensed veterinarian.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Require efforts to place retired animals
As a condition of receiving Federal funding, covered research facilities would have to make reasonable efforts to transfer dogs and cats no longer needed for research, testing, breeding, or education to a qualified animal adoption organization.
- Limit when facilities may euthanize animals
A facility could euthanize or otherwise kill an animal only if a licensed veterinarian certifies that transfer is medically unsuitable, would pose an unreasonable public health or safety risk, or the animal is not reasonably expected to adapt to a home or other placement. The bill also says transfer is not required for animals with certain terminal or untreatable conditions or when another Federal law prohibits transfer.
- Cover research facilities using dogs or cats
The requirement would apply to schools, institutions, organizations, and people that use or intend to use live domesticated dogs or cats for research, testing, breeding, or education, except elementary and secondary schools. A qualified adoption organization would include a nonprofit, shelter, rescue, sanctuary, or other entity capable of appropriate care and adoption services, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- Require implementing regulations
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, consulting with the Secretary of Agriculture, would have to issue regulations to carry out the section.
The bill cites the growth of alternatives to animal testing and says that more dogs and cats used in research may become eligible for retirement as animal testing declines. It also says healthy animals suitable for placement should have an opportunity for adoption when practicable.
The measure would make efforts to place these animals part of the conditions for Federal funding, while allowing exceptions certified by a veterinarian and other limits on transfer.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026HOUSESEP 24, 2026By Rep. Bilirakis with 4 original cosponsorsReferred to Oversight and Government Reform
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeSEP 24, 2026OVERSIGHT & GOVERNMENT REFORM NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 11 daysNo hearing yet
- 11 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 11, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 4 states
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. The smaller side has 1 member.
Plus the sponsor, a Republican. The smaller side has 1 member.
Rep. Bilirakis’s record: sponsored 36 bills this Congress. 2 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Troy A. CarterD-LA-2ORIGINAL
- Nancy MaceR-SC-1ORIGINAL
- Nicole MalliotakisR-NY-11ORIGINAL
- Brian J. MastR-FL-21ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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