
California's SB 440 Prompt Payment Law: 30-Day Deadlines and 24% Interest on Unpaid Change Orders
California's SB 440, effective January 1, 2026, gives private-project owners 30 days to respond to a change order claim and 60 days to pay the undisputed portion — or owe 2% monthly interest (24% a year). Here's how the law works, how it compares to other states, and how contractors should track the deadlines in their books.










