Connecticut HB5264: AN ACT CONCERNING SERVICE ANIMALS IN INSURANCE UNDERWRITING, THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ADVOCATE IN PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THE WELFARE OR CUSTODY OF COMPANION ANIMALS, ASSAULT OF A DOMESTIC ANIMAL AND ESTABLISHING AN ANIMAL ABUSE TASK FORCE.

What the bill says

An act concerning service and therapy animals in insurance underwriting, the appointment of an advocate in proceedings concerning the welfare or custody of companion animals, assault of a domestic animal and establishing an animal abuse task force. assembly convened.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT CONCERNING SERVICE AND THERAPY ANIMALS IN INSURANCE UNDERWRITING, THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ADVOCATE IN PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THE WELFARE OR CUSTODY OF COMPANION ANIMALS, ASSAULT OF A DOMESTIC ANIMAL AND ESTABLISHING AN ANIMAL ABUSE TASK FORCE. Assembly convened: Section 1. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) No insurer that delivers, issues for delivery, renews, amends or endorses a homeowners or tenants insurance policy in this state on or after October 1, 2026, shall cancel, refuse to renew or refuse to issue such policy solely on the basis of (1) the breed of dog owned by the insured or the applicant, with respect to any dog that is a dog trained or being trained as a service animal to assist blind, deaf or mobility impaired persons, or (2) the ownership of a therapy animal by such insured or applicant. As used in this section, "service animal" has the same meaning as provided in section 22-345 of the general statutes, and "therapy animal" has the same meaning as provided in section 17a-22ee of the general statutes. Sec. 2. Section 54-86n of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2026): LCO No. 1579 1 of Raised Bill No. 5264 (a) For the purposes of this section, "companion animal" means a domesticated dog, cat, horse, …

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Sponsors

• Anne Hughes (D, 135) · primary sponsor
• Savet Constantine (D, 42)