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Bill

A 893

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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Bores and 24 co-sponsors

Bill A 893 prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or raising premiums based on dog breed, ensuring fair treatment for all dog owners.

SUBSTITUTED BY S364
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 893

Summary of Bill A 893

Overview

Bill A 893 was introduced on January 8, 2025, with the primary intent of prohibiting insurance companies from restricting policies based solely on the policyholder's ownership or harboring of specific dog breeds or breed mixtures. This legislation aims to prevent discrimination against dog owners based on breed, which is often associated with misconceptions about the behavior and safety of certain breeds.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of Breed-Specific Restrictions: The bill explicitly prohibits insurance providers from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or imposing special conditions on policies based solely on the breed or mixture of breeds of a dog owned or harbored by the policyholder.
  • Policyholder Protections: This legislation seeks to protect dog owners from potential financial penalties or barriers to obtaining insurance due to the breed of their pet.

Impact

  • Dog Owners: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are dog owners who may face discrimination from insurance companies based on their pet's breed. This legislation aims to create a more equitable insurance landscape for all dog owners.
  • Insurance Companies: Insurance providers will need to adjust their policies and underwriting practices to comply with the new regulations, ensuring that they do not discriminate against policyholders based on dog breed.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Referred to Insurance Committee: January 8, 2025
  • Reported: April 2, 2025
  • Advanced to Third Reading: April 3, 2025
  • Substituted by S 364: June 10, 2025

Related Legislation

  • S 364: This bill serves as the companion legislation to A 893 and has taken precedence following the substitution.
  • A 6867: A related bill from the prior session that may address similar issues regarding insurance and dog ownership.

Conclusion

Bill A 893 represents a significant step towards eliminating breed discrimination in the insurance industry, promoting fair treatment for dog owners. By prohibiting insurance restrictions based on dog breeds, the bill aims to foster a more inclusive environment for pet ownership and ensure that all dog owners have access to necessary insurance coverage without prejudice.

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

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