Harkins, Merski bill that modernizes lien law to cover rented machinery passes House
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins July 7, 2025 | 3:53 PM
HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, are celebrating a major win for Pennsylvania’s construction workforce and small-business equipment renters with PA House passage of H.B. 1319, landmark legislation that would modernize the Mechanics’ Lien Law by expanding the definition of “materials” to explicitly include rented machinery and specialized equipment.
Under current law, suppliers of rental backhoes, cranes, scaffolding and other essential machinery have faced uncertainty over their lien rights when project owners default on payment. House Bill 1319 would amend the Mechanics’ Lien Law of 1963 to define “materials” as building materials, supplies, fixtures, machinery and equipment --including rented equipment -- that is reasonably necessary for construction or incorporated into an improvement.
“This reform levels the playing field for every small business that puts rented equipment to work on job sites across Pennsylvania,” Harkins said. “By ensuring rented machinery qualifies for a lien, we protect local companies from losing out when contractors fall behind on payments -- and that’s critical for our region’s economy.”
Merski added, “Too many Erie businesses have been left in limbo because the law treated rented heavy equipment like an afterthought. With H.B. 1319, we close that loophole, reduce costly disputes and fortify confidence in our construction market.”
House Bill 1319 drew bipartisan backing in the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee and passed the full chamber with broad support. The bill now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate for further consideration.