IL HB0701

Requires plaintiffs in malpractice or negligence actions against architects, engineers, or surveyors to file an affidavit of merit within 56 days of a defendant's request, with one possible 56-day extension for good cause.

Affidavit must be signed by a licensed professional in the same discipline as the defendant and must state that the standard of care was breached and was the proximate cause of the plaintiff's injury or damage.

Failure to file a compliant affidavit results in dismissal with prejudice; if deficiencies are identified, plaintiff has 56 days to file corrected affidavits.

Defendants must object to affidavits within 90 days of service or waive objections; defendants must participate in discovery in good faith.

Affidavit of merit is not required for breach of contract actions against these professionals that do not involve standards of care.