CSA scored legislative successes last year in getting retainage reduced on state jobs, and providing for recovery of attorney's fees for payment bond claims on state and municipal projects.
This year, CSA has submitted two legislative proposals that will be heard before the
General Law Committee on
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
2:30 PM
LOB Room 1B
- Raised Bill No. 7073: This bill would amend Conn. Gen. Stat. §42-158j to clarify that an unpaid subcontractor can demand that the unpaid sums be placed into escrow by the owner, and also provide for attorney's fees and interest in the event that a lawsuit becomes necessary. This would restore the original intent of the legislation: to provide subs with a direct action against the owner, with some ammo, so as to work around "pay when paid" clauses in subcontracts. This is in response to several restrictive trial court decisions that have limited the remedy for subs to only a lawsuit against an owner, but nothing else.
- Raised Bill No. 7074: This bill would amend Conn. Gen. Stat. §42-158k by providing for the full release of retainage withheld in most private construction projects (5% of the contract sum) within thirty days after the issuance of a certificate of final completion by the owner or owner's representative, or equivalent written acceptance of the work by the owner.
CSA needs its members to advance these proposals, both financially and also by contacting key legislators and testifying in favor of the bill.
CSA particularly needs help with contacting the co-chairs, and members, of the General Law Committee, either if you know them personally or your business or home is located in their district.
The co-chairs are: Senator Carlo Leone (D) (Stamford, Darien), Senator Kevin Witkos (R) (Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury, Torrington), and Representative David Baram (D-Bloomfield).
Also please contact the Vice Chairs: Representative Michael D Agostino (D) (Hamden), Senator John Kissel (R) (East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, Windsor Locks), and Senator Tim Larson (D) (East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, South Windsor).
Click here for the full list of the members of the General Law Committee.
For further information or have a question, please contact Steve Kaplan (
skaplan@mkrb.com).
Click here to donate to the CSA legislative effort.