The proposed bill, Substitute 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 October 1, 2025, insurers will not be allowed to charge higher premiums, cancel, refuse to renew, or limit coverage solely due to the breed of a dog or its mixture. However, insurers can take action if a specific dog is classified as dangerous based on underwriting principles derived from the insurer's actual 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 bill's provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the exception of the study requirement, which is effective immediately upon passage.