Karabinchak & Houghtaling Bill to Require Architects to Disclose Insurance Coverage Passes Assembly

(TRENTON) – With the goal to ensure architectural projects comply with safety standards, the full Assembly on Monday voted 68-2-0 to advance a bill (A-953) to require licensed architects to disclose their liability insurance prior to entering into an agreement for services.

Additionally, under the measure, architects entering a public contract would be required to carry errors and omissions insurance.

The bill is sponsored by Assemblymen Robert Karabinchak (D-Middlesex) and Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth), who released the following joint statement:

“Liability insurance protects both the architect and their client, providing a safety net for architects to manage potential errors that may occur on the job and shielding taxpayers from added costs. Even the most skilled architects can make human mistakes, and the smallest mathematical miscalculation may wind up costing valuable time and money. This legislation ensures architects discuss their liability insurance policy with their clients prior to entering an agreement, so that all parties prioritize risk management and meet safety standards.”

The measure now goes to the Senate for further review.