1105 AMH CAMP BEZN 080

HB 1105 - H AMD 186

By Representative Campbell

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 48.18 RCW to read as follows:

An insurer licensed to write liability insurance, such as homeowner's insurance, in this state may not deny an application for a homeowner's insurance policy, or cancel, refuse to renew, or modify an existing homeowner's insurance policy, on the basis that the applicant or insured owns or harbors a specific breed of dog on the real property, unless the dog is a dangerous dog as defined in RCW 16.08.070.

An insurer may require that the insured provide written notification:

(1) From the insured that the dog provides little risk based on the dog's nature and history; and

(2) That the dog provides little risk based on the dog's nature and history in the form of:

(a) A voluntary written statement from a licensed veterinarian who may be familiar with the dog in question;

(b) A voluntary written statement from a licensed dog trainer from a canine obedience school; or

EFFECT: Allows an insurer to require a written certification from the insured and a third party regarding the nature and history of the dog. Clarifies that the written statement from the licensed veterinarian or dog trainer is a voluntary statement.