Calling All DC Residents: Support Council Bill B25-0423 "Architect and Engineer Good Samaritan Act of 2023"

AIA|DC Special Briefing Calling All DC Residents: Support Council Bill B25-0423 "Architect and Engineer Good Samaritan Act of 2023"

The problem:? For more than a year, the AIA|DC Chapter and the Advocacy Committee have been working to get this bill approved.? Councilmember Allen introduced it and it was co-introduced by Councilmember R. White, Pinto, and Nadeau.? It was referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, which is chaired by Councilmember Pinto, and there it has sat despite numerous requests (both in person and via email)? to get it scheduled before the Council.

The Bill:? When disasters occur, architects and engineers can play a critical role in ensuring the public safety and well-being of the affected communities. However, the lack of Good Samaritan Laws in the DC exposes these qualified professionals to potential civil liability, discouraging their ability to offer services during such critical times.? DC is one of very few states that does not have a Good Samaritan Law. This legislation will provide necessary legal protections, encouraging more professionals to volunteer their expertise in emergencies

What you can do: To address this, we are calling on all DC-based AIA|DC members to send an email to Councilmember Pinto’s office in support of B25-0423. Join us in urging Councilmember Pinto to schedule a hearing so we can get this law on the books before the end of this session.? (If it doesn’t pass this session, we have to start all over again.) Thank you for your support and if you have any questions, please contact AIA|DC Advocacy Committee Chair Brian Forehand?at?[email protected].

Use the email template included here:?https://dcarchcenter.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/2024-07/SAM%20sign-on%20letter%202.pdf.

Read and track the legislation:?https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B25-0423

Learn more about how Good Samaritan statutes impact architects: ?https://www.aia.org/resource-center/good-samaritan-state-statute-compendium