March 8, 2019
The Maryland Senate Finance Committee will now be considering Senate Bill 647 at 9:00am instead of the previously reported 1:00pm on Tuesday, March 12. SB 647 would prohibit homeowner’s and renter’s insurance providers to discriminate against specific breeds or mixed breeds of dogs when offering insurance policies.
Maryland residents are encouraged to contact the Senate Finance Committee and express your support for Senate Bill 647.
Summary:
Under current law, insurance companies may inform applicants for insurance at the time of application and at renewal if they do not provide coverage for specific breeds or mixed breeds of dogs.
Senate Bill 647 would strike current law and prohibit insurance agencies from discriminating against specific breeds or mixed breeds of dogs when offering homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.
AKC supports this bill, which would stop a practice that punishes responsible dog owners simply because of the appearance or breed of dog they choose to own.
Visit the Breed-Specific/Dangerous Dog Laws page in the AKC Legislative Action Center for more talking points on this issue.
What You Can Do:
- Attend the Senate Finance Committee hearing and express your support for Senate Bill 647:
Maryland Senate Finance Committee
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
9:00am
East Miller Senate Building, Room 3
Annapolis, MD - Contact the members of the Senate Finance Committee and express your support for Senate Bill 647:
Sen. Delores G. Kelley, Chair- delores.kelley@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Brian J. Feldman, Vice Chair – brian.feldman@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Malcolm Augustine- malcolm.augustine@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Pamela Beidle – pamela.beidle@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Joanne C. Benson – joanne.benson@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Antonio Hayes – antonio.hayes@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Stephen S. Hershey, Jr. – steve.hershey@senate.state.md.us
Sen. J.B. Jennings – jb.jennings@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Katherine Klausmeier – katherine.klausmeier@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Benjamin F. Kramer – Ben.Kramer@senate.state.md.us
Sen. Edward R. Reilly – edward.reilly@senate.state.md.us
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this legislation. For more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.