The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to clarify liability provisions related to land surveying services in construction contracts. It introduces new definitions, including "land surveyor," and expands the scope of indemnification clauses to include land surveyors alongside registered architects and licensed engineers. Specifically, it renders void and unenforceable any promises in construction contracts that require contractors to indemnify architects, engineers, or land surveyors for damages resulting from their own negligence or defects in their work. Additionally, the bill stipulates that contracts must require that architectural, engineering, or land surveying services be performed with the professional skill and care typically expected in the field.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that any provisions in contracts that set a different standard of care than what is outlined in the bill are void and unenforceable. It also allows governmental agencies to require that engineers, architects, or land surveyors name them as additional insured parties under their insurance policies. The changes apply only to contracts entered into on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 130.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 1071.002, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 130.0021, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 130.004, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 130.005, Local Government Code 271.904 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 130, Local Government Code 271, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 1071)