JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Lawmakers are approving plans that would let subcontractors place liens on a property when they don’t get paid.
House members passed Senate Bill 2622 by a vote of 116-1 Thursday.
Last year, federal courts threw out Mississippi’s law that allowed subcontractors and material suppliers to force payment to be withheld from a general contractor, ruling it violated the general contractor’s rights. That left subcontractors and suppliers with no recourse but to sue over unpaid bills.
The bill would let subcontractors put a legal claim on a property to force payment.
Supporters say Mississippi is the only state without such a lien law for subcontractors.
House members held the bill for the possibility of more work. If they decline to reconsider, it would go to Gov. Phil Bryant for his consideration.
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