The bill amends Section 5-1-16 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-1, titled "Architects," to provide legal immunity for architects and architectural firms who voluntarily offer their services during a declared disaster emergency in Rhode Island. Specifically, it inserts provisions that state these professionals will not be liable for personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, or other losses resulting from their actions while providing architectural services at the disaster scene. Additionally, the bill stipulates that these architects, along with authorized disaster response workers, will be considered state employees during their service, granting them rights similar to those of state employees under specific legal provisions.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definition of "disaster emergency" and outlines the conditions under which the immunity applies, including the nature of the architectural services rendered and the time frame during which these services are provided. It also specifies that the immunity does not cover acts of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Lastly, the bill allows registered architects with National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certification to practice for 90 days following a declared state disaster. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5155: 5-1-16