PROHIBITING INSURANCE DOG BREED DISCRIMINATION ADVANCES: On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, despite opposition from the insurance industry, the Connecticut (CT) Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate approved a new draft of SB 1386, “Concerning Dog Breed in Insurance Underwriting and Evaluating the Feasibility of Establishing a Penalty for Misrepresenting a Dog as a Service Animal”. It will next be added to the Senate calendar for a floor vote. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is grateful for the committee’s amendment, which would also prohibit insurance discrimination against owners of a therapy animal based upon breed. Appreciation is extended to CT residents who submitted supportive testimony in response to AKC’s alert. When amended SB 1386 is scheduled for a Senate vote, AKC will issue an alert requesting supportive action.
BILLS BANNING SALE OF DOGS AND CATS AT RETAIL THAT NEGATE CONSUMER PROTECTIONS ADVANCE: Yesterday, the CT Joint Committee on General Law noted concerns raised in AKC’s alert regarding HB 5112, which would result in loss of consumer protections. In addition, the committee acknowledged its limited scope with respect to the bill’s objectives and therefore voted to forward the bill for consideration by the Joint Environment Committee. HB 5112 would implement a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits, beginning October 1, 2025.
Also yesterday, the CT Joint Committee on Planning and Development voted 15 “yes” to 5 “no” to advance HB 6832, despite AKC’s concerns (highlighted in this previous alert) and significant testimony in opposition. HB 6832 would give Connecticut cities and towns the authority to locally ban pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits, resulting in a patchwork of rules across the state. It now advances to the House calendar and when scheduled for a vote, AKC will issue an alert.
AKC Government Relations (GR) will continue to monitor, address, and report on these bills and other legislative issues in Connecticut. For more information, contact AKC GR at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org; or NH DOGS at dogs.nh@gmail.com.