A state lawmaker wants to make it illegal for insurance companies to inquire about or discriminate against a breed of dog when issuing a homeowners insurance policy in Connecticut.

The Hartford Courant reports that Republican Rep. Brenda Kupchick of Fairfield said constituents have difficulty getting a policy if they own dogs such as pit bull-type terriers or Rottweilers. Such breeds may prompt insurers to charge higher rates, cancel a policy or refuse to write a policy.

The Insurance Association of Connecticut says insurers charge more for certain dog breeds because the liability is greater and that if the law is enacted, all homeowner premiums will rise.

Dog bite claims accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims paid in 2013, according to the Insurance Information Institute.