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SB 1386

AN ACT CONCERNING DOG BREED AND THERAPY ANIMALS IN INSURANCE UNDERWRITING AND EVALUATING THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A PENALTY FOR MISREPRESENTING A DOG AS A SERVICE ANIMAL.

2025 Regular Session

Connecticut bill bars insurers from denying or raising rates based on dog breed or therapy animal status, while studying penalties for fake service animal claims.

HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 665
#dogs #fines(penalties) #fraud #homeowners'insurance #humanrightsandopportunities #commissionon #insurancedepartment #liabilityinsurance #serviceanimals
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Bill Summary · SB 1386

Legislative bill overview

SB 1386 prohibits insurance companies from denying, canceling, or charging higher premiums based solely on a dog's breed or because a dog is a certified therapy animal. The bill also directs the state to study the feasibility of establishing penalties for people who falsely represent pets as service animals.

Why is this important

Breed-based insurance discrimination affects pet owners financially and can discourage legitimate therapy animal programs that provide documented health benefits. Simultaneously, misrepresentation of service animals undermines access protections for people with disabilities and creates public safety concerns when untrained animals claim legal status.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry impact: Insurers argue breed-based pricing reflects actuarial data on claims; the bill may increase premiums for other policyholders or limit coverage options
  • Defining "certified" therapy animals: Therapy animals lack the federal regulation that service animals have, creating ambiguity about which animals qualify for protection and potential for fraud
  • Service animal fraud enforcement: A new penalty system requires clear definitions to avoid penalizing people with legitimate disabilities who may have informal documentation, while effectively deterring bad actors

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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