This bill aims to reduce the use of animals in scientific research and testing by establishing a center within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to promote the development and use of alternative research methods, such as advanced cell cultures and imaging systems. The bill would require federal agencies and entities that receive federal funding to create and update plans for reducing their use of animals, and make these plans publicly available.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to reduce the use of animals in scientific research and testing by establishing a center within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to promote the development and use of alternative research methods, such as advanced cell cultures and imaging systems. The bill would require federal agencies and entities that receive federal funding to create and update plans for reducing their use of animals, and make these plans publicly available.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act of 2022 [<i>sic</i>] or the HEARTS Act of 2022 [<i>sic</i>]</b></p> <p>This bill establishes a center within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and requires other activities to promote alternatives to using animals in research and testing.</p> <p>The duties of the center include developing nonanimal research models (e.g., advanced cell cultures and advanced imaging systems) and training scientists about the methods.</p> <p>Additionally, if a federal department or agency or federally funded research entity uses animals for research and testing, it must develop and update plans for reducing such uses and periodically report on the number and types of animals that they use to the center. The center must establish a standard process for entities to submit and update their plans and reports and for making the plans and reports publicly available.</p> <p>The NIH must also provide incentives for the use of nonanimal research and generally ensure that nonanimal alternatives are considered when reviewing and approving research applications and proposals. Further, NIH applications for research grants must include an assurance that nonanimal methods for carrying out the research are unavailable.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Establishes a center within the NIH to develop and promote alternatives to animal research and testing, such as advanced cell cultures and imaging systems.
Requires federal agencies and entities that receive federal funding to create and regularly update plans for reducing their use of animals in research and testing.
Mandates that these plans be made publicly available.
Requires the NIH to provide incentives for the use of non-animal research methods and ensure they are considered when reviewing and approving research proposals.
NIH grant applications must include an assurance that non-animal research methods are unavailable for the proposed work.
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If passed, this bill would affect the scientific research community, including universities, private companies, and government agencies that conduct animal research. It would require them to explore and implement alternative research methods, reducing the number of animals used in experiments. This could lead to more efficient and humane scientific research, benefiting both the animals and the researchers.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Health
Related Subjects
Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Medical research
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Research administration and funding
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
1024, 119th Congress (2025). "US-Kazakhstan Trade Modernization Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1024