Bill > B26-0544

This bill addresses two main issues related to pets in housing and insurance. First, it prohibits insurance providers from inquiring about or discriminating against homeowners based on the specific breed or breed mixture of dogs on their property. Insurers are no longer allowed to refuse to issue, cancel, renew, or increase insurance premiums solely because of a dog's breed. However, insurers can still raise rates or deny coverage based on an individual dog's proven aggressive behavior or if the dog has been officially declared dangerous, ensuring that insurers can still maintain reasonable underwriting practices. The second part of the bill amends the Pets in Housing Amendment Act of 2024 to clarify which sections of that previous legislation will be applicable, specifically modifying language about the act's applicability. The bill will become effective after mayoral approval and a 30-day congressional review period, which is standard for Washington, D.C. legislative actions. The primary goal appears to be preventing breed-based discrimination in homeowners' insurance while maintaining insurers' ability to assess individual dog behavior.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0544