The bill amends Section 5-1-16 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-1, titled "Architects," to provide immunity from civil liability for architects and architectural firms who voluntarily and without compensation provide architectural services at the scene of a disaster emergency in Rhode Island. Specifically, it states that these professionals, along with all authorized disaster response workers who practice professional, mechanical, engineering, or other skills during a disaster emergency, shall be considered state employees and entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees under the provisions of chapters 29 through 38 of title 28 and under the provisions of 9-31-8.

The bill clarifies that the immunity applies to actions taken while providing architectural services during a declared disaster emergency and does not cover acts of gross negligence or willful misconduct. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5155: 5-1-16
5155  SUB A: 5-1-16