House Bill No. [insert bill number] amends R.S. 9:5607(A) to clarify the peremptive periods for actions against professional engineers, surveyors, architects, interior designers, and real estate developers. The bill specifies that no action for damages can be brought against these professionals unless it is filed within five years from certain triggering events. These events include the date of registry in the mortgage office of the owner's acceptance of the work, or if no acceptance is recorded, the date the owner occupies or takes possession of the improvement. The bill also clarifies that if the acceptance is not recorded within six months of the owner taking possession, the action must be filed within five years from that date.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language regarding the completion of services by the professional. It specifies that if the services were not preparatory to construction or if they were preparatory but the professional did not inspect the work, the five-year period begins from the date the services were completed. The proposed changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for the peremptive periods applicable to these professionals while retaining the existing provisions of the law.

Statutes affected:
HB194 Original: 9:5607(A)