Enacts the New York emergency responder act

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jessica Scarcella-Spanton says this is needed

In times of natural disasters, emergencies, or other catastrophic events, architectural, engineering and construction expertise and skills are needed to provide advice and services to determine the integrity of and to stabilize, repair and rehabilitate structures, buildings, piping, or other engineered systems on an emergency basis. Professional engi- neers, architects, landscape architects, land surveyors, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers are willing to assist their communities, states, and the nation in these times of crisis. Such persons and firms, however, may face substantial liability exposure when furnishing services to assist government on an emergency basis. Many states have recognized this liability threat and have enacted laws that provide immunity for the performance of services at the request of government entities in times of declared emergencies. Insurance premiums for professionals and contractors in the building, design and construction industries have been on the rise and further accelerated by catastrophic natural and manufactured events in recent years, including the events of September 11, 2001, and Hurricanes Irene and Sandy in 2011 and 2012. In addition, as those professionals and contractors that responded to the events of September 11, 2001, learned, insurance may not be avail- able at any reasonable price. As a result, professionals and contractors that responded in the wake of September 11, 2001, chose not to do so when subsequent emergencies occurred. Considering the resulting infras- tructural and humanitarian disasters, it is time that New York State joined in the national efforts to enact "Emergency Responder" protection laws.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.