Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1164

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/24
• Refer: 3/22/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Expenditure of $213,302.77 from the general fund in payment of a claim against the state made by JRT Top Notch Roofs, LLC. (FE)

Impact

The bill directs funds from the general fund to compensate JRT Top Notch Roofs after their contract was terminated by the DOA. If the bill is approved, this will not only resolve the financial liability of the state with regard to this specific claim but would also set a precedent for how similar claims against state departments might be handled. The implications on state law include potential reviews of contracting processes and accountability measures for state officials involved in public contracting.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1164 mandates the expenditure of $213,302.77 from the state general fund to settle a claim made by JRT Top Notch Roofs, LLC against the Department of Administration (DOA). The claim arises from a contract that JRT Top Notch Roofs entered into for a roofing project at Esker Hall located at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The claimant contends that the DOA acted in bad faith regarding the timing of the project initiation, which the claimant asserts was delayed unduly due to the DOA's miscommunication and lack of negotiation for a favorable start date.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding AB1164 is the circumstances under which the contract was terminated and the subsequent claim made by the roofing company. The claimant alleges that the DOA failed to uphold its obligations under the contract which prompted the termination. In contrast, the DOA maintains that the issues were predominantly caused by the claimant's own actions, particularly regarding the timely procurement of essential materials for the project. These conflicting narratives illustrate potential systemic flaws in contract management within state agencies, which may need to be addressed moving forward.