Advocating for policies that grow our state’s life science industry.

MARCH 4, 2026

Testimony Submitted to the Environment Committee
Opposition of Senate Bill 314

An Act Concerning the Protection of Animals Used in Certain Research

My name is Jodie Gillon, the President and CEO of BioCT. BioCT is a leading voice for the life science industry in Connecticut. Our mission is to catalyze and accelerate growth in the life sciences with the goal of improving human health by fostering a rich, innovative ecosystem and promoting Connecticut as a preferred destination for life science exploration and innovation. Our members include life and healthcare science companies and start-ups, major research universities and other academic institutions, life science incubators, health centers, medical device developers and manufacturers, and other partners. We educate, cultivate entrepreneurship, support the growth of life science companies, and collaborate to ensure a sustainable, highvalue life science and healthcare community that improves our quality of life and keeps the Connecticut economy strong.

I am submitting testimony in opposition to SB 314 AAC the Protection of Animals Used in Certain Research. While this bill is well-intentioned, it is unnecessary, duplicative of existing federal protections, and could unintentionally restrict critical biomedical research that benefits both humans and animals. Existing federal oversight already provides comprehensive protection breeding and care standards for animals used in federally funded or licensed research are already regulated under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and are enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

In addition, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) at universities and hospitals review, monitor, and approve all research to ensure humane treatment and adherence to federal and state laws. Creating additional state-layered reviews or prohibitions could duplicate existing enforcement, create conflicting standards, and divert limited public resources from actual welfare enforcement.

Connecticut’s biotech sector contributes to critical breakthroughs in the life science industry. Delays or prohibitions triggered by state-level breeder reviews or additional reporting would result impeding timesensitive research projects, increase administrative burden and costs for institutions, and potentially push promising research and associated jobs out of state. SB 314 does not clearly define “companion animals” or specify whether it applies to federally compliant, ethically accredited breeders. By leaving interpretation open, the bill could inadvertently include species not typically used in biomedical studies or penalize regulated suppliers with temporary or minor administrative variances.

SB 314 risks undermining a well-functioning and transparent system for animal welfare oversight without offering measurable improvements in animal protection. It duplicates federal review, increases cost and bureaucracy, and threatens Connecticut’s leadership in biomedical research. For these reasons, I urge the Committee to reject SB 314.

Jodie Gillon
President & CEO, BioCT