California may soon pass legislation banning animal dissection in all K-12 schools in the state.

AB-1586, otherwise known as The Replacing Animals in Science Education (RAISE) Act, would eliminate animal dissections in California schools, replacing them with humane alternatives. The bill was introduced by state assembly member Ash Kalra and co-sponsored by the non-profit organizations Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), Social Compassion in Legislation and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

With hundreds of animals dissected each year in California schools alone, most of which are worms and frogs but have also reportedly included sharks, sheep, fetal pigs and cats, sponsors of the RAISE Act are recommending that dissection be replaced with technology that would simulate dissection without the cost of animal life. A virtual program, according to sponsors, could teach students about anatomy while eliminating the high cost associated with actual dissection, the toll on animal life and student exposure to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde used to preserve the dead animals.

“Learning about anatomy in schools is important scientific pedagogy but dissection presents a significant impact on the environment and our fragile ecosystems. Advancements in educational technology have expanded access to this important scientific instructional methodology without having to rely on animals,” said Kalra in a statement.

“With the development of technological alternatives, virtual and computer-based science teaching practicum offer more humane teaching methods that help to better prepare students for higher education and careers in science,” Kalra continued.

One example of a dissecting program is Froggipedia, which is a virtual dissection app that lets students take part in a virtual dissection of a 3D frog.

“The fact is, we do not need to put our young people through this. There is a better way, and California can and should move to the more modern and accepted use of digital dissection resources,” said Judie Mancuso, founder and CEO of Social Compassion in Legislation.

“There is no reason for any student to cut apart an animal or be exposed to carcinogenic formaldehyde when there is state-of-the-art 3-D software available for free. Not only is getting rid of dissection the right thing to do, but it will also save taxpayer money,” she continued.

It is unclear how much support the bill has in the assembly, and the bill has not yet been taken up by a committee for consideration. In the meantime, a law already exists allowing students with moral objections to opt out of dissection projects and to participate in alternative activities instead.