Massachusetts § 39P - Contracts for construction and materials; awarding authority's decisions on interpretation of specifications, etc.; time limit; notice

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 39P — Contracts for construction and materials; awarding authority's decisions on interpretation of specifications, etc.; time limit; notice, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39P. Contracts for construction and materials; awarding authority's decisions on interpretation of specifications, etc.; time limit; notice

Section 39P. Every contract subject to section thirty-nine M of this chapter or section forty-four A of chapter one hundred forty-nine which requires the awarding authority, any official, its architect or engineer to make a decision on interpretation of the specifications, approval of equipment, material or any other approval, or progress of the work, shall require that the decision be made promptly and, in any event, no later than thirty days after the written submission for decision; but if such decision requires extended investigation and study, the awarding authority, the official, architect or engineer shall, within thirty days after the receipt of the submission, give the party making the submission written notice of the reasons why the decision cannot be made within the thirty day period and the date by which the decision will be made.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 39P

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 39P cover?

Section 39P ("Contracts for construction and materials; awarding authority's decisions on interpretation of specifications, etc.; time limit; notice") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 39P?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 39P" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 39P apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.