AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56, relative to insurance.
Impact
This legislation will have significant implications on how insurers operate within the state of Tennessee. Under SB0836, insurers will be prohibited from denying, terminating, or refusing to renew insurance policies based on the breed of a dog, barring circumstances involving dogs deemed potentially vicious according to state law. This aims to provide dog owners with greater access to insurance options, potentially expanding the housing market for tenants and homeowners with certain dog breeds that might have faced previous discrimination from insurers.
Summary
Senate Bill 836, titled SB0836, amends the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 56, to provide new regulations concerning homeowners and renters insurance policies in relation to dog breeds. The bill seeks to prevent insurance companies from discriminating against clients based solely on the specific breed or mixture of breeds of a dog that lives on the property covered by the policy. It establishes a framework that aims to ensure equitable treatment for dog owners when seeking insurance coverage.
Contention
Despite its intentions, the bill has sparked debate among various stakeholders. Advocates argue that it is a step forward in ensuring fairness for dog owners. However, some insurance companies express concerns that this could expose them to increased risks associated with potentially dangerous breeds, leading to higher premiums or other unintended consequences. Moreover, the category of 'potentially vicious dogs' remains a contentious point, as various stakeholders seek to clarify which breeds fall under this definition and how it will be determined.