HEARTS Act of 2025
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (13 Feb 2025): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What this bill does
H.R. 1291, the HEARTS Act of 2025, would amend the Public Health Service Act to prioritize nonanimal research methods at the National Institutes of Health. It would require NIH to create incentives for using alternatives such as organoid cultures, computer modeling, and artificial intelligence; require that nonanimal methods be evaluated before animal research is approved; and require research proposal reviews to include someone with expertise in nonanimal methods, plus access to a librarian who can assess alternative-method searches. The bill would also establish a new National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing within NIH, tasked with funding and promoting alternatives, training scientists, fostering collaboration among institutions, and publicly tracking animal use in federally funded research.
The bill would primarily affect NIH, federally funded research institutions, and federal agencies that use animals in research or testing. These entities would face new reporting requirements: within two years of enactment, they must report the number and species of animals used and bred for research, and every two years afterward, update those reports and submit plans to reduce animal use. All reports and plans would be made public through a standardized process set by the new Center's director.
The bill was introduced on February 13, 2025, by Rep. Ken Calvert with several bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As an introduced bill, it has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or Senate action, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed by the President to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act of 2025 or the HEARTS Act of 2025
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.
The duties of the center include developing nonanimal research models (e.g., advanced cell cultures, advanced imaging systems) and training scientists about the methods.
Additionally, if an agency or other entity conducting federally funded research uses animals for research and testing, it must develop and update a plan for reducing such use and periodically report to the center the number and types of animals it uses.
The NIH must also provide incentives for the use of nonanimal research and generally ensure that nonanimal alternatives are considered when reviewing research proposals. Further, applications for NIH research grants must include an assurance that nonanimal methods for carrying out the research are unavailable.
Timeline
13 Feb 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1291 do?
- H.R. 1291, the HEARTS Act of 2025, would amend the Public Health Service Act to prioritize nonanimal research methods at the National Institutes of Health. It would require NIH to create incentives for using alternatives such as organoid cultures, computer modeling, and artificial intelligence; require that nonanimal methods be evaluated before animal research is approved; and require research proposal reviews to include someone with expertise in nonanimal methods, plus access to a librarian who can assess alternative-method searches. The bill would also establish a new National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing within NIH, tasked with funding and promoting alternatives, training scientists, fostering collaboration among institutions, and publicly tracking animal use in federally funded research. The bill would primarily affect NIH, federally funded research institutions, and federal agencies that use animals in research or testing. These entities would face new reporting requirements: within two years of enactment, they must report the number and species of animals used and bred for research, and every two years afterward, update those reports and submit plans to reduce animal use. All reports and plans would be made public through a standardized process set by the new Center's director. The bill was introduced on February 13, 2025, by Rep. Ken Calvert with several bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As an introduced bill, it has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or Senate action, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed by the President to become law.
- Has H.R. 1291 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1291. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1291?
- H.R. 1291 was sponsored by Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41] (R-CA), with 18 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1291?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (13 Feb 2025).
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More bills from Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]
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