Senate unanimously passes payment-transparency bill to help subcontractors on public projects

Senate File 1714 passed unanimously in the Minnesota Senate on April 27, 2026. The bill requires that when a subcontractor on a public construction project requests written information about payment status, the public-owner (the contracting public agency) must provide the information within seven days. Sponsors said the measure will improve transparency and cash flow for subcontractors who often lack visibility into when payments are made up the contracting chain.

Senator Johnson Stewart, the bill's sponsor, described the measure as a bipartisan first step to protect subcontractors and to address retainage and pay-when-paid issues on public projects. "This will help subcontractors like the business I used to own," Johnson Stewart said, and she encouraged members to support the bill.

Supporters including Senator Rarick and Senator Matthews emphasized the importance for small businesses and cash-flow stability. The Senate recorded 63 ayes and 0 nays on final passage; the bill's title was agreed to.