CA SB1276

Amends Section 2782.8 of the Civil Code to limit design professionals' duty to defend public agencies in negligence claims to reimbursement of defense costs actually caused by the design professional's negligence.

Declares unenforceable all contractual provisions requiring design professionals to indemnify public agencies, except for claims arising from the design professional's negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct.

Requires all contracts and solicitation documents between public agencies and design professionals to incorporate these indemnity limitations by reference.

Applies to contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2007, with amendments applying to services offered under contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2011.

Defines "design professional" to include licensed architects, landscape architects, professional engineers, and professional land surveyors, and their associated business entities.