ASSEMBLY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4880

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 18, 2019

The Assembly Judiciary Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4880.           

      This bill shortens the statute of limitations for malpractice actions against certain licensed persons.

      Currently, N.J.S.A.2A:14-1 provides that certain civil actions must be brought within six years after the cause of action accrues.  Under the bill, actions for professional malpractice against any of the persons listed below would be required to be brought within two years after the cause of action accrues:

      (a)  an accountant licensed pursuant to P.L.1997, c.259 (C.45:2B-42 et seq.);

      (b)  an architect licensed pursuant to R.S.45:3-1 et seq.;

      (c)  an attorney admitted to practice law in New Jersey; 

      (d) an engineer licensed pursuant to P.L.1938, c.342 (C.45:8-27 et seq.); or

      (e)  a land surveyor pursuant to P.L.1938, c.342 (C.45:8-27 et seq.).      The bill provides that attorneys’ fees could not be awarded in any action against these professionals except where authorized by statute or the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey.