Bill description: HB 444 limits the liability of architects and engineers who volunteer their services following a disaster.

Rating: +1

Does it increase barriers to entry into the market? Examples include occupational licensure, the minimum wage, and restrictions on home businesses. Conversely, does it remove barriers to entry into the market?

HB 444 limits the liability of architects and engineers who provide services, voluntarily or without compensation, at the request or approval of a public official in response to a declared emergency.

The limited liability applies to services rendered within 90 days after the end of the declared emergency, unless it is extended by an executive order of the governor.

The limited liability will not apply if an architect or engineer causes injury, death, or damage as the result of unreasonable acts, gross negligence, or willful or wanton misconduct. It also will not apply if the architect or engineer did not act "as a reasonable architect or engineer would have under the same or similar circumstances."

These changes will remove barriers to architects and engineers volunteering their services in a time of need. Volunteers acting in good faith should not be subject to lawsuits or criminal penalties for honest mistakes.

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