Bill > HB05264

This bill aims to enhance protections for animals and their owners by prohibiting homeowners and tenants insurance policies from denying or canceling coverage solely based on the breed of a dog trained as a service animal or the ownership of a therapy animal, which are animals trained to provide comfort and support. It also allows courts to appoint a special advocate in legal proceedings concerning the welfare or custody of companion animals, defined broadly to include various domesticated animals kept for pleasure, to ensure their interests are represented. Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of assault in the third degree to include acts against domestic animals, making it a crime to intentionally or recklessly cause physical injury to them, and establishes an Animal Abuse Task Force to study and recommend improvements to animal cruelty laws, including the potential creation of a state animal abuse registry and revisions to rehabilitation programs for those convicted of animal cruelty.

Business and Industry

Insurance and Real Estate Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05264&which_year=2026