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SB 444 · 2026 · Senate · Commerce Committee

Ban on animal testing for cosmetics

AI-generated

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

Prohibits the use of animals in certain cosmetic product testing.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (House) · May 14, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✕House
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill prohibits the use of animals in certain cosmetic product testing.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as amended by the Senate. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“"Alternative test method or strategy” means a test method, including a new or revised method, that:”
RSA 359-V:1
“No testing facility in the state shall use a traditional animal test method in this state if an agency responsible for regulating the specific product or activity for which the test method is being used has either:”
RSA 359-V:2
““Biomedical research” means the investigation of the biological processes and causes of disease or research conducted to increase fundamental scientific knowledge or to expand the understanding about how processes in living organisms develop and function.”
RSA 359-V:1
““Biomedical research” shall not include testing done to assess the safety or efficacy of chemicals, ingredients, drugs, vaccines, product formulations, or products.”
RSA 359-V:1

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Daniel InnisRPrimeChair· Commerce
  • Rep. Cathryn HarveyDRanking Member· Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Also: Rep. Patrick LongD

Public testimony

12 signed in online · 1 wrote testimony

67% support25% oppose8% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“We should be protecting animals whenever possible. There have been massive increases in the availability of cruelty-free options and it doesn't make sense to continue with the old methods. This would also be a cost saver in the long-term.”
— Alexandra Prescott, raymondsupports

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Mar 5, 2026SenateCommittee reportCommittee report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0778s5–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 5, 2026SenateVoice voteCommittee amendment 2026-0778sfailed
  • Mar 5, 2026SenateVoice voteSen. Innis Floor Amendment # 2026-0877sadopted
  • Mar 5, 2026SenateVoice voteOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0877sadopted
    Resulting text: Bill as amended by the Senate
  • Apr 29, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Refer for Interim Study13–2
    Overall
    87% yea
  • May 14, 2026HouseVoice voteRefer for Interim Studyadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 20, 2026Public hearingSenate Commerce2:04:55–2:20:3515m 40slocated in the stream transcriptHearing
  • Mar 5, 2026Floor debateSenate floor1:15:02–1:18:563m 54slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0778s; Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0877s — adopted, voice vote; Committee Amendment # 2026-0778s — failed, voice vote
  • Apr 8, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer Affairs3:31:31–3:39:578m 26slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Apr 21, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamSubcommittee Work Session
  • Apr 28, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer Affairs18:58–21:332m 35slocated in the stream transcriptSubcommittee Work Session
  • Apr 29, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer Affairs7:25–8:331m 8slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Refer for Interim Study; Executive Session
  • May 14, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamRefer for Interim Study — adopted, voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 1
  2. Jan 20, 2026SenHearing: 01/20/2026, Room 100, SH, 11:00 am; SC 1
  3. Mar 5, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0778s, 03/05/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 8
  4. Mar 5, 2026SenSB 444 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  5. Mar 5, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-0778s, AF, VV; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  6. Mar 5, 2026SenSen. Innis Floor Amendment # 2026-0877s, AA, VV; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  7. Mar 5, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0877s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  8. Mar 12, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Commerce and Consumer Affairs HJ 8 P. 114
  9. Apr 8, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/08/2026 01:15 pm GP 229
  10. Apr 21, 2026HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 04/21/2026 01:15 pm GP 229
  11. Apr 28, 2026HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 04/28/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  12. Apr 29, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/29/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  13. Apr 29, 2026House: Refer for Interim Study 04/29/2026 (Vote 13-2; CC) HC 19 P. 6
  14. May 14, 2026HouseRefer for Interim Study: MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 2

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.