NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A893
SPONSOR: Rosenthal TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to prohibiting certain
restrictions as it relates to dog breed
PURPOSE:
This legislation will protect pet owners from discrimination by insur-
ance companies based on breed of dog owned.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one repeals and replaces section 3421 of the insurance law.
Section two establishes the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Pet owners have long been subject to discrimination by insurance compa-
nies based on the breed of dog they own. Such discrimination may come in
the form of increased premiums, coverage restrictions or denial of an
insurance policy, even if the dog has never been involved in a biting
incident or shown any signs of aggression. These arbitrary restrictions
impede the ability for people to obtain the necessary insurance policy
for their home and are based on myths and stereotypes that suggest
certain breeds are inherently dangerous. This legislation would ensure
that no insurer may cancel, refuse to issue or renew, increase the
premium or otherwise exclude, limit, restrict or reduce coverage based
on breed of dog owned.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-23: A.6867-B - Advanced to Third Reading; S.7416-B - Advanced to
Third Reading
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
90 days.
