On February 25, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in opposition to SB 671 – Procurement Contracts and Construction Contracts – Payments.
This bill subjects counties to significantly expanded prompt payment mandates, heightened penalties, and restricted contract administration flexibility.
By shortening notice timelines, limiting dispute resolution flexibility, expanding contractor remedies, and dramatically increasing penalty interest rates, the bill shifts financial and operational risk onto local governments. Without regard to the complexity of public project oversight — which often requires multi-departmental invoice review to safeguard taxpayer funds — these provisions could disrupt infrastructure delivery, increase staffing needs, and substantially expand county fiscal exposure.
Shortened procedural windows combined with mandatory, high-ratepenalties will require additional procurement and finance staff to audit deliveries and reconcile invoices under compressed timelines. This creates both operational strain and increased costs.
