STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1256

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 544

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 544, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PET INSURANCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish a regulatory framework specifically for pet insurance based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Pet Insurance Model Act.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, Hawaiian Humane Society, Crum & Forster, Lucky Paws Animal Foundation, Spot Pet Insurance, Embrace Pet Insurance, Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc., National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, North American Pet Health Insurance Association, Independence American Insurance Company, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Independence Pet Group, and fifteen individuals.

Your Committee finds that the cost of pet ownership has been cited as the biggest challenge faced by pet owners in certain parts of the State. Many pet owners have struggled to afford regular veterinary care for their pets, which is essential to maximizing an animal’s health, longevity, and quality of life. Many pet owners, however, are often unable to afford regular veterinary visits for check-ups and preventative care for their animals. Other states have already enacted similar legislation based on the Pet Insurance Model Act adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This measure will promote uniformity throughout the states and benefit consumers and industry participants by creating an efficient and effective regulatory framework for pet insurance in the State. As the cost of veterinary care continues to rise, pet insurance has become increasingly important for pet owners to have the ability to provide necessary emergency medical care for their animals.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 544, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 544, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

________________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair