New York Senate Bill S00364

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Engrossed: 4/8/25
• Refer: 4/8/25
• Engrossed: 6/10/25
• Enrolled: 12/8/25
• Vetoed: 12/12/25

Caption

Prohibits restrictions on insurance policies based solely on the policyholder harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds.

Summary

Bill S00364 amends the New York insurance law to prohibit homeowners' and renters' insurance policies from refusing coverage or imposing higher premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policyholder. This legislation aims to eliminate discrimination against specific dog breeds, which has been a contentious issue among pet owners and insurance companies. The bill is designed to protect dog owners from potential financial penalties associated with owning certain breeds that are often unfairly stigmatized.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the insurance landscape in New York by ensuring that dog breed cannot be a basis for denying insurance coverage or increasing premiums. This change would affect all homeowners' and renters' insurance policies issued or renewed after the bill's effective date, promoting a more inclusive approach to pet ownership and reducing the financial burden on dog owners.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S00364 has been largely positive, as evidenced by its passage through the Senate with a vote of 61 to 1 and a subsequent Assembly vote of 95 to 52. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step toward fair treatment of dog owners, while opponents have raised concerns about potential risks associated with certain breeds, although these concerns did not significantly hinder the bill's progress.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from some insurance companies regarding liability and risk management associated with specific dog breeds. While proponents of the bill emphasize the need for fairness and equality for dog owners, opponents argue that the legislation could lead to increased insurance claims and potential financial losses for insurers. This divide highlights the ongoing debate between animal rights advocates and insurance industry stakeholders.