HSB 99

This bill relates to homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies and certain dog breeds. The bill prohibits an insurer from, based solely on a policyholder or potential policyholder having custody of a dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds (dog), refusing to issue or renew the policyholder’s or potential policyholder’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy; charging or imposing an increased premium or rate for the policyholder’s or potential policyholder’s policy; or from canceling a policyholder’s homeowner’s or renter’s policy. An insurer is also prohibited from excluding, limiting, restricting, or reducing coverage under a homeowner’s or renter’s policy based solely upon the policyholder having custody of a dog. “Custody” is defined in the bill as possessing, keeping, or harboring. If, however, a policyholder has custody of a dog classified as dangerous or high risk pursuant to an applicable city ordinance, an insurer may, based on sound underwriting and actuarial principles reasonably related to actual or anticipated loss experience determined by rules adopted by the commissioner of insurance, refuse to issue or renew the homeowner’s or renter’s policy. _____ or renter’s policy. The commissioner of insurance shall adopt rules pursuant to Code chapter 17A to implement and administer the bill. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment and applies to all homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies issued or renewed in the state on or after the effective date of the bill.