Architect and Engineer Good Samaritan Amendment Act of 2025
Summary
The bill creates a new “Good Samaritan” liability protection for licensed architects, professional engineers, and professional land surveyors who voluntarily assist during a life-threatening emergency in the built environment. It defines the “built environment” broadly to include human-constructed surroundings such as buildings, transportation systems, and landscapes. The protection applies only when the professional acts in good faith, without compensation, and at the direction or request of, or with the approval of, a federal or District official reasonably believed to be acting in an official capacity.
The immunity is limited: it does not apply to gross negligence or willful misconduct. It also applies only during a Mayor-declared public emergency, or within 90 days after that emergency ends, and only after the professional has completed a training program using the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Safety Assessment Program. The bill is intended to encourage qualified professionals to help local governments assess safety and stability after disasters or other emergencies affecting the built environment.
Impact
The act amends Title 47 of the D.C. Official Code by adding new sections that shield architects, engineers, and land surveyors from civil damages for emergency response work performed under specified conditions. It expands the District’s professional licensing statutes to include emergency-assistance liability protections tied to disaster response and post-emergency safety evaluation, while preserving liability for gross negligence and willful misconduct. The measure affects licensed design and surveying professionals, as well as District and federal officials who may request or approve their assistance during emergencies.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It passed first reading, an amendment, and final reading unanimously by votes of 12-0, suggesting consensus that the measure fills a practical emergency-response need. The lack of recorded committee transcript discussion also indicates no major public controversy in the available record.
Contention
The main policy questions are narrow and technical rather than partisan: whether the liability shield is appropriately limited, whether the 90-day post-emergency window is the right duration, and whether requiring completion of a California-based safety assessment training program is the best qualification standard for District professionals. Any concern would likely come from those worried about reduced accountability or from stakeholders questioning the training requirement and how it will be implemented, but the available record shows no recorded opposition.
Occupations: architects, professional engineers, and surveyors; requirements for firms in the practice of architecture, professional engineering, or professional surveying; modify. Amends sec. 2010 of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.2010).
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