SB 174 - This act, almost identical to SB 704 from 1996, changes the statute of limitations for actions arising from a defective or unsafe condition of an improvement to real property. Under current law, the statute of limitations is ten years from the date such improvement is completed.

Under this act, the statute of limitations starts to run when such improvement is "substantially completed." This term is defined as an improvement that may be used as intended even if there is minor work yet to be completed.

A person may only bring an action against someone who is charged with the design, planning or construction of the improvement.

JAMES KLAHR