Bipartisan Prompt Pay Legislation Introduced by Reps. Sweeney, Roemer
COLUMBUS –State Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) and Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) have introduced “prompt pay” legislation that would require owners of private sector construction projects to pay prime contractors in 30 days or less after invoices are provided. Contractors have had to wait anywhere from 60 to 150 days after the successful completion of a project to receive payment. The construction industry suffers from 51 days sales outstanding, the longest of any industry in the US.
“Keeping construction projects moving forward and making Ohio a better place to work and do business is crucial for the economic development of our state,” said Rep. Sweeney. “This bipartisan legislation helps hardworking Ohio contractors avoid dipping into their personal savings or using credit cards to make ends meet when they aren’t paid on time for their work.”
The “prompt pay” requirement is already in place for public sector owners, such as state and local governments. The joint sponsor’s legislation addresses the imbalance in the private sector and ensures that all parties on a construction project are paid in a reasonable timeframe.
“We want to maintain Ohio’s reputation as a business-friendly state,” said Rep. Roemer. “Unfortunately, it is not unheard of for contractors to have to wait months after completing a project to receive payment. This legislation will even the playing field in the construction industry and keep projects moving in a timely fashion.”
The legislation awaits committee assignment.