What's happening
Writing a plain-English summary… Track this bill to get it by email.
Why it matters
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to judiciary
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Provides for the payment of damages occasioned by a delay in the performance of a contract
In Assembly Committee · Judiciary · Sponsor Ron Kim
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the general obligations law, in relation to damages to contracts occasioned by delay
Purpose
Requires all public contracts to include a clause authorizing contractors to recover damages for delay.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 of this bill amends the General Obligation Law by adding a new Title 18, which would provide that all public works contracts include provisions that a contractor, subcontractor, or materialman may seek recovery for unanticipated costs due to inexcusable delays which are the result of actions or omissions by a public contractor. The act or omission must be within the scope of their responsibility or control.
Section 2 provides an effective date.
Justification
Current case law in New York State follows KALISCH-JARCHO, INC. V. CITY OF NEW YORK (578 NY 2nd 377), which allows a contractor to recover damages for such delay caused by an owner only where the owner acted in bad faith and with deliberate intent. In fact, the burden of proof to establish bad faith and deliberate intent makes it unlikely that contractors would be able to recover damages for delay.
Several public agencies (NYS OGS, DOT and the MTA) have already recognized the unfairness of this restriction and have provided in their public contracts for a more equitable allowance for damages for delays resulting from public agency action.
In 1998, the Governor vetoed S.6711-B, a proposal to achieve the same relief sought by this legislation. In his veto message (see Veto Message 1404), the Governor stated that he was sympathetic to the concept and that the policies of NYS OGS and DOT were already directed to address the needs sought here. This bill addresses the issues raised by the Governor and clarifies liability for damages where actions or omissions of a public agency are directly associated with the damages incurred by a covered contractor.
Legislative history
2015: (S.1479-B) - Passed Senate
Fiscal implications
Unknown
Effective date
180 days after enactment.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.