CA SB972

Declares all indemnity and defense cost provisions in contracts between public agencies and design professionals unenforceable, except for claims arising from the design professional's negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct, effective for contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2011.

Expands the definition of "design professional" to include architects, landscape architects, professional engineers, and professional land surveyors who are properly licensed or registered under California law.

Requires all contracts and solicitation documents (requests for proposal, invitations for bid) between public agencies and design professionals to automatically incorporate these indemnity restrictions by reference.

Applies to local public agencies including counties, cities, districts, school districts, and other political subdivisions, but excludes the State of California.

Prohibits waiver or modification of these provisions through contractual agreement or acts of the parties.