Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Bill voted on Third Consideration
SB 160 (MARTIN) General Appropriation Act of 2025 with General Fund and federal augmenting appropriations totaling $46,938,002,000 and $45,877,552,000, respectively. PASSED 27-22.
Bill amended on Second Consideration and voted on Third Consideration
HB 257 (NEILSON) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) to require at least one question relating to safe driving in work zones on the driver’s license examination. The legislation also requires the Department of Transportation to include a section in the driver’s manual on safe driving practices in work zones, along with related penalties. Additionally, if an individual under the age of 18 applies for a driver’s license, the applicant’s parent or guardian must attest that the applicant has reviewed the educational materials regarding unsafe driving in work zones, as provided by the department. AMENDED AND PASSED 27-22.
A01615 (PITTMAN) Omnibus transportation package amending Title 4 (Amusements), Title 74 (Transportation), and Title 75 (Vehicles) to provide funding for the Commonwealth’s transportation system, including highways, roads, and mass transit, as well as increased accountability and safety measures and new revenue options for mass transit. Makes funding available for three and four digit road and highway construction. Increases driver education on unsafe driving in a work zone. ADOPTED 27-22.
Bill amended on Third Consideration
SB 381 (MASTRIANO) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 35 (Health and Safety) to prohibit animal experimentation, sale, and testing in certain circumstances. Specifically, narrows the research exception for animal cruelty offenses to conduct relating to animals actively involved in bona fide scientific or medical research. Also prohibits the use of Commonwealth funds to directly support research on dogs or cats that falls within certain pain and distress categories under the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is not being carried out solely for the better health, welfare, or safety of the dog or cat. Prohibits Commonwealth funds from being used to devocalize a dog or cat, procure a devocalized dog or cat, or conduct any research on any dog or cat that has undergone devocalization. Requires an animal testing facility release animal subjects to an agency for adoption or private placement as long as there is no risk to public health or the animal’s welfare and keeping offers for release open at least 21 days prior to euthanizing an animal. AMENDED AND RE-REFERRED TO APPROPRIATIONS.
A01633 (MASTRIANO) Deletes the Title 18 provision relating to animals actively involved in bona fide scientific or medical research. Requires animal testing facilities that receive Commonwealth funds to comply with Title 19 cruelty to animal provisions. Amends the provision for persons, kennels and animal testing facilities to offer dogs and cats for adoption and requires assessing the health of the animal to determine if suitable for adoption. Provides for adoption of animal subject for not less than 30 days with no requirement for euthanizing an animal subject. Allows the use of traditional animal testing methods commenced prior to the effective date of the paragraph or initiated prior to agency approval of an alternative test method, if the method is used solely to complete the project or specific test. Provides that the Attorney General may institute a civil action for violations. ADOPTED 48-1.