Advocates push Hochul to sign animal insurance bills

Advocates and lawmakers are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign two significant bills aimed at enhancing pet insurance options for New Yorkers. The proposed legislation seeks to impose consumer protections and regulations for pet insurance policies, ensuring that pet owners are well-informed about the coverage they are purchasing. This initiative was prompted by feedback from pet owners who faced unexpected expenses due to inadequate insurance coverage.

The bills have been revised to address Hochul's concerns from a previous veto, which focused on differentiating coverage for pets from livestock. The new regulations would provide clarity regarding the extent of coverage for various situations, including accidents and illnesses, allowing pet owners to make informed decisions about their insurance plans. With New York's pet insurance industry lacking formal guidelines, these changes aim to align state regulations with national standards.

Additionally, Hochul is being urged to consider a bill that would prohibit discrimination in renters' insurance policies based on dog breeds, a critical issue for many low-income renters and people of color. Advocates argue that the behavior of a dog is determined more by training than breed, and they hope Hochul will take action similar to her previous efforts with homeowners' insurance. As the governor prepares for her reelection campaign, supporters believe that signing these proposals would be a straightforward decision given the bipartisan backing they have received.

Source: Spectrum News