Researcher: JKL Page 1 3/26/25
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 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.
SUMMARY
This bill prohibits insurers that issue, deliver, renew, amend, or
endorse a homeowners or tenants insurance policy in Connecticut on or
after October 1, 2025, from charging an increased premium; cancelling
or refusing to renew or issue the policy; or excluding, limiting, or
reducing coverage under the policy solely because of the insured’s or
applicant’s dog’s breed or breed mixture. It allows the insurance
commissioner to adopt implementing regulations.
The bill also prohibits these insurers from establishing rates or
minimum premiums or cancelling or refusing to renew or issue the
policy solely because of the insured’s or applicant’s (1) service animal’s
dog breed, when the dog’s training is to help those who are blind, deaf,
or mobility impaired, or (2) ownership of a therapy animal.
However, it allows an insurer to cancel or refuse to renew or issue a
policy or charge a reasonably increased premium if the insured’s or
applicant’s dog is deemed dangerous based on underwriting and
actuarial principles derived from the insurer’s actual loss experience
related to the specific dog and anticipated losses given that experience.
Separately, the bill requires the Commission on Human Rights and
Opportunities (CHRO) to study the feasibility of establishing a penalty
for intentionally misrepresenting a dog as a service animal to gain
accommodations under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
CHRO must report any statistics or other information about establishing
a penalty to the Human Services and Judiciary committees by February
1, 2026. 2025SB-01386-R000256-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JKL Page 2 3/26/25
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2025, except for the CHRO study
provision, which is effective upon passage.
DEFINITIONS
Under the bill, a “service animal” is a dog that is individually trained
to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability (28 C.F.R.
35.104), and includes a service animal in training (CGS § 22-345). A
“therapy animal” is an animal trained to comfort a person who (1)
experienced mental, physical, or emotional trauma; (2) witnessed, or is
a victim of, a violent act; or (3) has behavioral health care needs (CGS §
17a-22ee).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Insurance and Real Estate Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 12 Nay 1 (03/11/2025)