OMS is excited that Indiana recently passed a Good Samaritan bill for architects.  There are plenty of Indiana architects who are willing to donate their time and expertise to help first responders assess the structural integrity of houses, school buildings, churches, and stores during the aftermath of a natural or even man-made disaster. However, Indiana does not protect licensed architects who volunteer during such events. Representing about 700 Hoosier architects, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Indiana sought to change this behavior and have supported what is now known as the Good Samaritan Bill.

Passed by both the House and the Senate and signed by Mike Pence, the Good Samaritan Bill now protects volunteer responders, enhances emergency preparedness, and allows for citizens to move back into their homes or business more quickly. Also, it gives Hoosier architects civil immunity when they volunteer professional services related to a declared emergency.

The idea of this bill is to mimic similar Good Samaritan laws in other states in hopes that Indiana architects would receive emergency training, practice preparedness drills, and agree to be on call to quickly respond after a disaster. Due to Indiana being susceptible to disaster, it is best for our emergency management first responders to have trained volunteer architects to help with building safety.

Read the full story from the IBJ.