House passes bill to stop insurance companies from denying coverage based on dog breed

Published: Friday, March 18, 2022 - 3:44pm
Updated: Sunday, March 20, 2022 - 7:54am

The Arizona House of Representatives approved a bill that prohibits insurance companies from taking a homeowner’s dog breed into consideration when providing coverage.

The bill, introduced by GOP Rep. John Kavanagh, has garnered bipartisan support .

Republican Rep. David Cook says insurance companies blocking plans due to breeds isn’t right.

Democrat Richard Andrade, who supported the measure, says a dog’s breed is irrelevant to an animal’s behavior, and that a dog’s owner is responsible for a dog’s aggression. The bill now goes to the state Senate.

“That’s what I don’t like is an insurance company that wants to put scare tactics about higher rates, about what’s best for the people. And I’ve given the bill’s sponsor my word that I would help move this bill along, although it doesn't need my help," Andrade said.

Phoenix Democrat Jennifer Longdon says she has had to argue with insurance companies threatening not to provide coverage because her service dog was a Doberman.

Politics