Relating to: the use of live animals in medical training and providing a penalty.
AB 865 prohibits medical training programs in the state from using live animals to teach human medical treatment when equivalent alternatives exist, such as simulators, cadavers, or virtual models. It applies directly to medical schools, residency programs, and institutions training doctors, residents, and students. The law requires institutions to switch to these alternatives if they are available in the state, and imposes a $1,000 fine per live animal used in violation. This creates a concrete policy change requiring medical training to adopt non-animal methods where feasible.
Bill status
failed
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2026
Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 16, 2026
Introduced
Introduced by Representatives Gustafson, Goeben, Dittrich and Armstrong;
cosponsored by Senator Cabral-Guevara
lower
4 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Barbara Dittrich
RRepublican
P
Dave Armstrong
RRepublican
P
Gus Gustafson
RRepublican
P
Joy Goeben
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about AB 865
Scope: WI
Hi! I can help you understand AB 865. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline