- Perfected -

SB 589 - 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.

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

This act is similar to SS/SB 173 from 1997.

TOM MORTON