HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

               HB 1103    

Title: Relating to homeowners= insurance.

Brief Description: Prohibiting insurance companies from denying or refusing to renew homeowners= insurance coverage to applicants who own non-dangerous dogs.

  Sponsors:Sullivan.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INSURANCE

Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 2, 1999

Bill Analysis Prepared by: Anntonette Alberti (7117) 

Background: A Adangerous dog@ is defined as a dog that, according to the records of authorities, (a) bites people or domestic animals, or (b) without being provoked, has killed a domestic animal while off of its owner=s property, or (c) has bitten, attacked or endangered people or domestic animals after the owner has received knowledge that the dog is a potentially dangerous dog. A Apotentially dangerous dog@ is a dog that, unprovoked, (a) bites people or domestic animals, or (b) behaves menacingly while off its owner=s property, or (c) has a known tendency to attack or cause injury to humans or domestic animals.

An owner of a dangerous dog must get a certificate of registration for the dog from their local animal control authority.  One of three requirements must be met to obtain certification: (a) the dog is confined and the owner's property is clearly posted that the dog is dangerous; (b) a surety bond in the amount of $50,000 is issued, payable to any person injured by the dog; or (c) a liability insurance policy, such as a homeowners= insurance policy, is issued, insuring the dog owner for any personal injuries inflicted by the dog.

Summary of Bill: Insurance companies cannot refuse to write a homeowners= insurance policy or fail to renew a homeowners= insurance policy on the basis that the applicant owns a dog, unless the dog is a dangerous dog, as defined by law.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: None requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Rulemaking Authority: N/A.