Sykes and Hottinger Discuss Bill to Ensure Compensation for Design Professionals
June 19, 2019
Vernon Sykes News
On Tuesday, state Sens. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) and Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) provided sponsor testimony on their legislation to provide recourse for architects and other design professionals who are not fairly compensated for their work.
“It is important to ensure that all Ohioans receive fair wages for a day’s work,” said Sykes. “Right now, architects and similar professionals have no payment protections to ensure they’re adequately compensated for the jobs they complete. That needs to change if we intend to retain these professionals who contribute significantly to Ohio’s economy.”
Currently, architects, landscape architects, engineers and surveyors in the construction industry have limited options when a commercial real estate owner does not pay for plans or specifications. Senate Bill 136, which was heard in Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee, would create a payment assurance plan for these professionals. If enacted, SB 136 will enable design professionals to file a lien on a commercial property that they designed or planned in the event that they were not paid per the terms of their contract.
Ohio has established payment protections for several other professions, including construction trades, mechanics and brokers. However, the state has lagged behind the rest of the country in providing payment assurances for registered design professionals.
“It is important to ensure that all Ohioans receive fair wages for a day’s work,” said Sykes. “Right now, architects and similar professionals have no payment protections to ensure they’re adequately compensated for the jobs they complete. That needs to change if we intend to retain these professionals who contribute significantly to Ohio’s economy.”
Currently, architects, landscape architects, engineers and surveyors in the construction industry have limited options when a commercial real estate owner does not pay for plans or specifications. Senate Bill 136, which was heard in Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee, would create a payment assurance plan for these professionals. If enacted, SB 136 will enable design professionals to file a lien on a commercial property that they designed or planned in the event that they were not paid per the terms of their contract.
Ohio has established payment protections for several other professions, including construction trades, mechanics and brokers. However, the state has lagged behind the rest of the country in providing payment assurances for registered design professionals.