summary
Introduced
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
In Committee
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), entitled "An act relating to dogs, regulating the keeping of dogs; providing for the licensing of dogs and kennels; providing for the protection of dogs and the detention and destruction of dogs in certain cases; regulating the sale and transportation of dogs; declaring dogs to be personal property and the subject of theft; providing for the abandonment of animals; providing for the assessment of damages done to animals; providing for payment of damages by the Commonwealth in certain cases and the liability of the owner or keeper of dogs for such damages; imposing powers and duties on certain State and local officers and employees; providing penalties; and creating a Dog Law Restricted Account," providing for insurance.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Dog Law to prevent insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners based solely on the breed of dog they own. Specifically, insurers cannot refuse to issue or renew a homeowner's insurance policy, cancel an existing policy, or charge higher premiums just because a homeowner has a specific breed of dog. However, insurers are still allowed to take action if a dog has been officially determined to be dangerous according to legal procedures. The bill defines key terms like "homeowner's insurance policy" (a property and liability coverage plan) and "insurer" (a licensed insurance provider). The new provisions will apply to insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified 60 days after the bill's effective date, aiming to protect dog owners from breed-based insurance discrimination while maintaining provisions for addressing genuinely dangerous dogs.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to Housing & Community Development (on 05/29/2025)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...