Minnesota § 15.411 - PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS; NO DAMAGES FOR DELAY CLAUSES
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 15.411 — PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS; NO DAMAGES FOR DELAY CLAUSES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15.411. PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS; NO DAMAGES FOR DELAY CLAUSES
Subdivision 1.Definition.
As used in this section, the term "public works contract" means a contract of the state, or a county, city, town, school district, special district, or any other political subdivision of the state, for the construction, alteration, repair, addition to, subtraction from, improvement to, or maintenance of any building, structure, highway, bridge, viaduct, pipeline, railway, public works, or any other works dealing with construction. The term includes, but is not limited to, moving, demolition, or excavation performed in conjunction with the work specified in this subdivision.
Subd. 2.Unenforceability.
Any clause in a public works contract that waives, releases, or extinguishes the rights of a contractor to seek recovery for costs or damages, or seek an equitable adjustment, for delays, disruption, or acceleration in performing the contract is void and unenforceable if the delay, disruption, or acceleration is caused by acts of the contracting public entity or persons acting on behalf of the public entity for which the public entity is legally responsible.
Subd. 3.Severability.
When a contract contains a provision that is void and unenforceable under subdivision 2, that provision must be severed from the other provisions of the contract to the extent that it is void and unenforceable. The fact that the provision is void and unenforceable does not affect the other provisions of the contract.
Subd. 4.Scope and effect.
Subdivision 2 does not make void and unenforceable any contract provision of a public works contract that:
(1) requires notice of any delay, disruption, or acceleration by the party affected thereby;
(2) provides for reasonable liquidated damages; or
(3) provides for arbitration or any other procedure designed to settle contract disputes.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 15.411
What does Minnesota Statutes § 15.411 cover?
Section 15.411 ("PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS; NO DAMAGES FOR DELAY CLAUSES") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. 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 Minnesota § 15.411?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 15.411" (Minnesota). 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 Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 15.411 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota 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 Minnesota.