Bill > H1324

This bill aims to strengthen the validity of mechanic's liens, which are legal claims placed on a property by contractors or suppliers who have not been paid for work or materials, and to shorten the time frame for filing lawsuits related to these liens. Specifically, it proposes to reduce the time limit from ninety days to sixty days for filing a lawsuit to enforce a mechanic's lien in several sections of existing law. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for contractors or filers to certify under penalty of perjury that they have sufficient documentation to support their lien and that it is not frivolous, with the understanding that they could be responsible for court fees and fines if the lien is found to be unsubstantiated. The bill also mandates that if a court determines a lien was filed without merit, the filer will be fined a minimum of $250, with these funds used to cover court costs and any remaining amount going to the general fund, and in cases involving homeowners, the fine will also include full reimbursement for verified complaints.