The bill modifies the time frames for filing lien claim forms in commercial and residential construction. It amends Section 6 of P.L.1993, c.318 (C.2A:44A-6) to extend the deadline for lodging a lien claim form from 90 days to 240 days after the last provision of work, services, material, or equipment for commercial projects. For residential construction, the form must be filed within 10 days of receiving the arbitrator's determination and within 120 days after the last provision of work. Additionally, Section 8 of P.L.1993, c.318 is updated to reflect these new timelines.

The bill also clarifies the requirements for filing a Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien, aligning its deadlines with those of the lien claim form—240 days for general claims and 120 days for residential claims. It specifies that claimants are not required to serve this notice to interested parties and establishes that those with an interest in the property will be deemed to have knowledge of the anticipated lien claim. The notice will remain effective for the same durations as the lien claim, and the bill clarifies that filing this notice does not constitute a lien claim nor extend the time for filing one. These changes aim to streamline the lien claim process and ensure clarity for all parties involved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:44A-6, 2A:44A-8, 2A:44A-20