CT HB06635

Prohibits insurers from charging increased premiums, canceling, or refusing to issue homeowners/tenants insurance policies solely based on dog breed, effective October 1, 2023

Allows insurers to take action based on an individual dog's designation as "dangerous" when supported by actual loss experience with that specific dog

Eliminates strict liability for dog owners; plaintiffs must now prove the owner knew or should have known of the dog's "vicious propensity" and failed to use reasonable care to restrain it

Creates a legal presumption that dogs do not possess vicious propensities, which plaintiffs must rebut with evidence of prior dangerous behavior

Owners who knowingly allow a vicious dog to roam at large after a prior violation face fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment if the dog injures someone