The Beagle Bill or “Calvin’s Law” and also known as SB 261, was signed into law Tuesday in Carson City by Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. The legislation requires dogs and cats from research facilities to be made available for adoption. It was authored by State Sen. Mark Manendo, in honor of Calvin, a beagle that was rescued from a research facility in California, rehabilitated and placed in a caring home.

The bill was amended in the Natural Resources Committee to strip various provisions. Most of the amendments were accepted but Manendo pushed for the return of the original language that substituted the word “shall” for “may” therefore allowing the animals, majority of which are beagles, a chance at a normal life and loving home.

SB 261 is not only a big step forward in animal welfare in Nevada; it is also an historic piece of legislation, according to a Nevada Humane Society news release. “Calvin’s Law” is the first bill of its kind in the United States that requires private testing facilities to make adoptable dogs and cats available for adoption after their testing period has subsided. Other states are working on bills similar to the legislation. Nevada is the first to adopt such a law.

“June 2, 2015 was a banner and historic day in Nevada. The Battle Born State was the first in the nation to stand up for dogs and cats, most commonly Beagles, who are the subjects of testing in both public and private facilities. So many incredible and dedicated folks tirelessly advocated for this life-changing bill and under the leadership of Senator Mark Manendo this bill became law today when Governor Sandoval affixed his signature to 'Calvin’s Law.' I am exceedingly proud to be a Nevadan today and I know that so many throughout this state are loudly proclaiming 'home means Nevada'” said Kevin Ryan, CEO of Nevada Humane Society.

For more about SB 261, go here.