Senate Bill 865, which would revise the statute of limitations for bringing an action against an architect, professional engineer, land surveyor or construction contractor, was unanimously approved this morning by the House Judiciary Committee.

ACEC/Michigan Executive Director Ron Brenke testified before the committee in support of the measure and was joined by AIA representative Gary Quesada in answering questions from committee members.

"The 2006 Supreme Court ruling has negatively affected Michigan businesses by allowing a six-year statute of limitations rather than the two-year limitation that most states have," Brenke said. "We have some firms that are battling the re-introduction of old claims that were previously dismissed under the two-year statute. These are the types of regulations that make Michigan less business-friendly and cause firms to locate to other states.

"We simply asked the committee to restore the long-standing statute of limitations and put Michigan on equal footing with surrounding states. We’re pleased that they approved this important bill."

The bill was approved by the full Senate in February and now moves to the full House for consideration.

For more information Contact: ACEC