SB257 Summary

• Defines "design professional" as persons or entities licensed to practice architecture, landscape architecture, surveying, engineering, or geology in Alabama.

• Voids and makes unenforceable any contract provisions entered after the effective date that require design professionals to indemnify parties against liability beyond their own negligence, intentional torts, or unpaid subconsultants/suppliers.

• Prohibits contract provisions requiring design professionals to defend third parties against professional liability claims or name parties as additional insureds on professional liability policies.

• Allows contracts to require design professionals to name additional insureds on general liability and automobile liability policies and to reimburse reasonable attorney fees proportional to the professional's liability.

• Establishes that all contracts must require design professionals to perform services with ordinary professional skill and care of a competent professional, regardless of differing contract language; takes effect the first day of the third month following passage and approval.