An alternative test method is therefore defined as a method that provides information of equivalent or better scientific quality and relevance than animal testing, identified by a validation body and adopted by the competent federal authority (EPA) or the competent program within an authority responsible for regulating the specific product or activity.

In the case that no substitute method is available, as few animals as possible should be used and the suffering or the stress of an animal used for testing purposes is reduced as much as possible (3R principle).

The template does not apply to medicinal products or medical product developments.

After California, New Jersey and New York, Virginia is the fourth state to impose these principles.

Read more here:
https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?181+sum+HB1087
https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?181+ful+HB1087
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2018/04/virginia-lawmakers-lauded-for-041018.html