2024 -- H 7234

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LC003926

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

     RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Serpa, Phillips, J. Brien, Solomon, Fellela, O'Brien,
McEntee, Lima, and Costantino

     Date Introduced: January 19, 2024

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 4-19 of the General Laws entitled "Animal Care" is hereby amended

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by adding thereto the following section:

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     4-19-11.4. Use of animals in medical training.

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     (a) An educational program training individuals in the medical treatment of human beings

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shall not use a live animal in the education or training of students, residents, or physicians if:

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     (1) At least one other accredited training program in the state in the same medical discipline

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does not use live animals; or

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     (2) There is an alternate teaching method that teaches the medical procedure or lesson

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without the use of an animal.

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     (b) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,

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and upon conviction shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each animal

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used.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2026.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

     RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- ANIMAL CARE

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     This act would prohibit a medical training program in this state from using a live animal

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while teaching medical procedures if at least one other accredited training program in the state in

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the same medical discipline does not use animals, or there is an alternate teaching method that

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teaches the medical procedure or lesson without the use of an animal. Violations of this act would

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be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each animal

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used.

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     This act would take effect on January 1, 2026.

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