Bill > A04907

This bill establishes a ten-year statute of limitations (called a "statute of repose") for legal actions against professional engineers, architects, landscape architects, land surveyors, geologists, and construction contractors for injuries, wrongful death, or property damage resulting from defects in improvements to real property. The bill defines "completion" of an improvement as occurring when a permanent certificate of occupancy is issued, when a public improvement is accepted by its owner, or based on specific financial milestones like final payment or the last day mechanic's liens can be filed. If an injury occurs during the tenth year after completion, the bill allows an additional one-year period to file a lawsuit, but not more than eleven years after the improvement's completion. The legislation aims to address what lawmakers view as an unfair burden on design professionals and construction contractors by limiting their long-term liability, while still providing a reasonable window for claims to be made. The bill explicitly does not affect existing contracts or causes of action that occurred before its effective date and will apply to all actions commenced on or after January 1st following its enactment.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4907