This bill amends K.S.A. 60-1110 to enhance the process surrounding contractor's and other liens on property, specifically regarding bonds posted by property owners. It mandates that sureties for these bonds must be licensed to operate in Kansas and establishes that district courts are to award attorney fees and costs to claimants who have made a written demand for payment to the principal and surety but did not receive payment prior to filing a lawsuit. Additionally, the bill requires a pretrial hearing within 30 days of the filing of an answer to determine whether the surety should pay the claimed amount directly to the claimant or deposit it into a court-held account.

The bill also repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 60-1110, streamlining the legal framework for handling liens and claims related to contractor bonds. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for the resolution of disputes and ensure that claimants have a more efficient path to securing payment for their claims.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 60-1110