Little Miller Act

Little Miller Act

Little Miller Act

State analogs to the federal Miller Act mandate bonds on public projects above defined thresholds. Notice periods, suit deadlines, covered claimants, and thresholds vary substantially from the federal scheme.

Public property cannot be liened, making bonds the sole security.

Alternative Names:

State Miller Act|State Bond Act

Why it Matters?

Deadlines differ from the federal Act and from each other, which catches contractors operating across states who assume the ninety-day and one-year federal periods apply universally. Some states impose shorter notice windows and others extend the suit period. Confirming the specific state's requirements at the outset of any public project is a compliance step rather than a claims step, since the deadline runs before a dispute matures.

Frequently asked questions

Do state deadlines match the federal Act?

Do state deadlines match the federal Act?

No. Notice windows and suit periods vary substantially by state, which catches contractors operating across jurisdictions.

Why are bonds required on public work?

Why are bonds required on public work?

Because public property cannot be encumbered by mechanics liens, making the bond the only available security.