🟡Relating to liability for land surveying services in or in connection with certain construction or services contracts.

🟡 SB 687: Protects Surveyors from Unfair Liability, But Leaves Loopholes

What it says it does:
SB 687 says it will protect licensed land surveyors from being forced to pay for mistakes they did not make. It claims to promote fairness by setting a consistent standard of care and clarifying that surveyors should only be responsible for their own work.

What it actually changes:
It amends contract law so surveyors cannot be required to defend or indemnify others for negligence they did not cause. It adds surveyors to the same liability protections already enjoyed by architects and engineers. It also allows owners to be added to a surveyor’s insurance policy if the policy terms permit it.

Who is pushing for it:
The Texas Society of Professional Surveyors and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas supported the bill in testimony. No formal opposition appears in the witness lists provided.

Who benefits:
Land surveyors and small professional firms gain clearer protection from unfair contract clauses. Architects and engineers also benefit because the law keeps their existing framework intact. Owners and contractors gain predictability, knowing liability now tracks actual fault.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Small firms without in-house legal review may still face pressure through insurance requirements. Government agencies can keep using outdated procurement templates that include void clauses unless oversight improves. The bill does not extend similar protections to other licensed professionals like geoscientists or inspectors.

Why this matters long term:
This bill rebalances risk in construction contracts and helps small professional firms stay viable. However, if enforcement remains weak, large project owners may still find ways to shift costs indirectly through insurance or legal fees.

What to watch next:
Watch for how public agencies update their contract templates and whether insurers use policy fine print to reintroduce liability. Also track whether future legislation adds similar protections for other professional groups in the industry.

Bottom line:
SB 687 is a fair and practical correction to protect surveyors from being scapegoated for others’ mistakes, but the remaining loopholes in insurance and contract enforcement could still tilt the playing field against smaller firms if left unchecked.

#SB687 #TexasPolicy #Contracts #Infrastructure #WatchTheRules