Summary of Bill S 364

Bill Number: S 364

Title: Prohibits restrictions on insurance policies based solely on the policyholder harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds

Status: Returned to Senate

Introduced: January 08, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 364 aims to prevent insurance companies from imposing restrictions or higher premiums on policyholders based solely on the breed or mixture of breeds of dogs they own or harbor. The intent of the bill is to promote fairness and equality in insurance practices, ensuring that dog ownership does not unfairly impact an individual's ability to obtain or maintain insurance coverage.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition of Breed-Specific Restrictions: The bill explicitly prohibits insurance providers from denying coverage, charging higher premiums, or imposing other restrictions based solely on the breed or breed mix of a dog owned by the policyholder.

• Protection for Dog Owners: This legislation seeks to protect dog owners from discrimination based on breed, which is often rooted in misconceptions about certain breeds being more dangerous than others.

Impact

• Policyholders: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are dog owners who may face discrimination from insurance companies due to their choice of pet. This could lead to increased access to affordable insurance options for these individuals.

• Insurance Companies: Insurers will need to adjust their policies and underwriting practices to comply with the new regulations, potentially leading to a reevaluation of risk assessment criteria.

• Public Perception: The bill may contribute to changing societal attitudes towards certain dog breeds, promoting a more inclusive view of dog ownership.

Legislative Timeline

• January 08, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Insurance Committee.
• February 03, 2025: First report calendar.
• February 05, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
• April 08, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
• June 10, 2025: Substituted for A893, passed in the Assembly, and returned to the Senate.

Related Bills

• S 7416: A prior-session bill that may address similar issues.
• A 893: A companion bill that aligns with the objectives of S 364.

In summary, Bill S 364 seeks to eliminate breed-specific discrimination in insurance policies, thereby enhancing the rights of dog owners and promoting equitable treatment in the insurance industry.