HB587 Summary

• Voids contract provisions for design professionals (architects, landscape architects, surveyors, engineers, geologists) that require indemnification beyond liability caused by the professional's own negligence, recklessness, intentional tort, intellectual property infringement, or failure to pay subconsultants.

• Prohibits contract requirements that design professionals defend third parties for claims not covered by professional liability insurance or list parties as additional insureds on professional liability policies.

• Establishes standard of care requiring design professionals to perform services with skill and care ordinarily provided by competent professionals under similar circumstances, which cannot be altered by contract.

• Allows contracts to include conditions related to project scope, fees, and schedule, and protects public awarding authorities from liability for design professionals' negligence or non-professional actions.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.