Subcontractors Lead Charge for Lien Reform

On Feb. 24 about 60 subcontractors representing various association converged on the Jefferson City to speak with legislators about legislation addressing the crisis in lien situations caused by the current economy.

Led by American Subcontractors Association (ASA) members from both St. Louis and Kansas City, the delegation included members from the SITE Improvement Association, Mason Contractors Association,  Painting and Decorating Foundation, Independent Electrical Contractors of St. Louis, and  the Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association.

The contractors handed out ASA hardhats and talked to legislators about the importance of passing legislation to improve payment on construction projects.  Both House Bill 595 and Senate Bill 267 would standardize lien waiver forms and allow for attorney fees to be reimbursed to a contractor who perfects its mechanics lien. 

Compared to 2007, the average number of monthly liens above $1,000 filed through mid-November of 2008, was 14 percent higher in the city of St. Louis, 15 percent higher in St. Louis County and 48 percent higher in St. Charles County, according to data compiled from public records by American City Business Leads.

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