CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : SACRAMENTO : Bill to Limit Tests on Animals Gains

The Assembly approved legislation that prohibits cosmetics makers and other manufacturers from conducting eye and skin tests on live animals to determine the human irritant factor. The bill, sponsored by Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria), was sent to the Senate on a 52-17 vote. A similar measure was passed by the Legislature last year, but vetoed by former Gov. George Deukmejian. O’Connell argued that the animal tests are “cruel and archaic” and that alternative testing methods are available. Assemblyman Bruce Bronzan (D-Fresno), chairman of the Health Committee, noted that the federal government has yet to approve the non-animal tests. After the vote, Royanne Hollins of a group called the Incurably Ill for Animal Research said many of its members’ lives depend upon continued animal research. “Passage of this bill by the Assembly is the beginning of a dangerous trend toward banning all animal research,” Hollins added.