Senate Bill No. 1386 aims to prohibit discrimination by insurers against homeowners or tenants based on the breed of dog they own or harbor. Effective July 1, 2025, the bill stipulates that insurers cannot charge increased premiums, cancel, refuse to renew, or limit coverage solely due to the breed of dog. However, insurers are permitted to take action if a specific dog is designated as dangerous based on underwriting principles derived from the insurer's loss experience. Additionally, the bill protects service animals and therapy animals from being discriminated against in insurance policies, ensuring that their breed does not affect the terms of coverage.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a penalty for individuals who intentionally misrepresent a dog as a service animal to gain accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Commission is required to report its findings to the relevant legislative committees by February 1, 2026. The definitions of "service animal" and "therapy animal" are aligned with existing statutes, ensuring clarity in the bill's application. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance protections for dog owners and promote fair treatment in insurance underwriting practices.