SS/SB 173 - This act requires that a person making a claim against a licensed professional file an affidavit stating that the plaintiff has a written opinion from a similarly licensed professional which states that the defendant's failure to use reasonable care contributed to the damages.

Such affidavit shall be filed within ninety days after the claim is filed unless the court extends such period for good cause.

If a claim is filed without an affidavit, the court may dismiss such claim without prejudice. The term "licensed professional" includes architects, engineers, surveyors, attorneys, public accountants, or real estate brokers or appraisers. The term does not include health care providers.

This act is similar to SB 705 from 1996.

JAMES KLAHR