Sponsor Statement for HB 10

Mediation Process for Claims Against Design Professionals

HB 10 attempts to keep frivolous lawsuits out of the courtroom by amending the Code of Civil Procedure to require mediation of a civil action alleging professional negligence against an architect, engineer, or land surveyor.

Currently, mediation is available under Court Rule 100, HB 10 simply makes this process mandatory. After a suit is filed both parties will go through a discovery process, then a mediator will work with each side to help reach a settlement.

Members of both the professional design community and the trial attorneys have offered public testimony in favor of this approach. They have testified, and I agree, that mandatory mediation will help resolve claims of negligence against design professionals before they reach the courtroom.