FINAL BILL REPORT

                           ESB 5768

                          C 206 L 93

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Providing for inspection services at an emergency scene upon the request of a public official.

SPONSORS: Senators Haugen, Oke, Loveland, Nelson, Owen, Cantu and Moyer

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

BACKGROUND:

It has been reported that during the aftermaths of earthquakes, architects and engineers have assisted governmental authorities by inspecting damaged structures free of charge.  Although Washington law grants limited immunity to certain emergency workers, such protection arguably does not extend to all "good samaritan" architects and engineers.

It has been suggested that architects and engineers who perform inspections during times of emergency should be protected against civil liability, except where their acts or omissions constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.  Such immunity, it is argued, would encourage design professionals to volunteer their services. 

SUMMARY:

Washington's emergency management laws are amended to provide that registered architects and professional engineers can serve as "emergency workers" and in some cases may be shielded from civil liability for all damages that arise in connection with their emergency service.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    49   0

House     94   0    (House amended)

Senate    42   0    (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993