SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KABC) — Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday designed to improve transparency in the pet insurance industry. The legislation, supported by advocates for animal welfare, aims to give pet owners more clarity regarding their insurance policies.
Introduced by State Senator Steven Glazer, SB 1217 will mandate that pet insurance providers be more forthcoming about changes in coverage or premiums based on a pet’s age or geographic location. A press release from the governor’s office highlighted several key provisions.
“It requires greater clarity in policies that exclude pre-existing conditions, clearly establishing wellness programs as distinct from insurance, and requires that coverage be issued the second day after receiving the complete application and payment,” the release stated.
In addition to SB 1217, Newsom also signed SB 1233. This bill authorizes a California veterinary medical school to establish a certification program for high-volume spay and neuter procedures. The objective is to expand pet owners’ access to low and no-cost spay-neuter services.
SB 1233 was introduced by State Senator Scott Wilk, representing the Antelope, Santa Clarita, and Victor valleys.
