Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) and Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT) sent a letter of request to House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX), asking for movement on Reichert’s bill, the Good Samaritan Protection for Construction, Architectural, and Engineering Volunteers Act.

“As a former first responder, I understand the desire to help those in need, especially when you have the skills and tools to do so,” said Reichert, the former Sheriff of King County. “The unfortunate disaster in California provides a renewed platform to discuss the importance of this legislation, and the impact it could have, especially on the victims who need assistance.”

This legislation proposes to create protections for “Good Samaritan” contractors, construction companies, architectural and engineering industries when they answer the call for help. By immediately responding to disasters and emergencies, these industries provide support for rescue, recovery and eventual clean-up efforts. Following 9/11, some construction companies faced lawsuits for the work they did in the aftermath of the attacks. The bill provides construction, architectural, and engineering entities qualified immunity from liability when volunteering their services after a natural disaster or attack.

“As we witness the horrific fires affecting much of Southern California, we are reminded of the horrific images of September 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina,” states the letter, signed by Reichert and Matheson.  It continues, “As with these other disasters, we are already witnessing these good Samaritans responding to this current tragedy…When construction companies’ expertise is needed, the construction industry should not have cause for hesitation in responding to help and possibly saving lives, for fear of lawsuits…This week’s tragedy is an unfortunate reminder of the need to pass legislation that will provide construction contractors and architectural and engineering entities qualified immunity from liability when providing volunteer services in the wake of a disaster to ensure that such services will be available in future times of need.”

A copy of the letter is attached.

This legislation is supported by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Association of General Contractors, the American Institutes of Architects and the National Society of Professional Engineers.