The Maryland Senate Finance Committee will consider legislation on Tuesday, February 5, that would prohibit insurance companies from refusing to issue or renew homeowner's or renter's insurance policies solely because someone owns a dog, regardless of breed.
Maryland residents are encouraged to contact the committee and express support for Senate Bill 296, which would protect dog owners from being discriminated by insurance companies simply because they own a dog. Scroll down for the committee hearing and contact information.
Summary:
Senate Bill 296 states that an insurer may not refuse to issue or renew a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy simply because the person has a dog – regardless of the breed they own.
The bill also ensures that dog owners cannot be denied liability coverage. It states that any homeowner's or renter's policy that includes liability cannot exclude coverage for injury, property damage, or medical payments that arise “out of direct physical contact with a dog” that is owned or cared for by someone insured under the policy.
Talking Points:
- AKC's policy position statement on “Homeowners' Insurance and Dangerous Dogs”
- AKC's policy position statement on “Dangerous Dog Control Legislation”
- AKC's one-page issue brief with talking points on breed-specific legislation
What You Can Do:
- Attend the Senate Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 5:
Senate Finance Committee Hearing
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
1:00 p.m.
3 East Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
- Contact the members of the Senate Finance Committee. Click here to view the names and contact information for the full committee.
For questions or more information, contact the AKC Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org or the Maryland Dog Federation at marylanddogfederation@yahoo.com.
The Maryland Senate Finance Committee will consider legislation on Tuesday, February 5, that would…