The bill amends Section 5-1-16 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-1, titled "Architects," to provide immunity from civil liability to architects and architectural firms who voluntarily and without compensation provide architectural services during a disaster emergency in Rhode Island. The new language specifies that such architects and firms will not be liable for personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, or other losses caused by their acts or omissions while performing these services. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that architects and architectural firms, as well as all authorized disaster response workers, will be considered state employees and entitled to the same rights as state employees under certain provisions of the law when they practice their skills during a disaster emergency without the benefit of compensation provided by law.

The bill further defines a "disaster emergency" as one declared by the governor's executive order or proclamation and clarifies that the immunity applies only to architectural services related to the structural integrity of buildings, structures, or systems identified in a disaster emergency. The immunity does not cover acts of gross negligence or willful misconduct. The bill also allows registered architects with a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certification to practice in Rhode Island for 90 days following a declared disaster. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3110: 5-1-16