2021 Indiana Code
Title 32. Property
Article 28. Liens on Real Property
Chapter 3. Mechanic's Liens
32-28-3-12. Railroads; Labor and Materials; Lien

Sec. 12. (a) This section applies to a person who:

(1) performs work or labor such as:

(A) grading;

(B) building embankments;

(C) making excavations for track;

(D) building:

(i) bridges;

(ii) trestlework;

(iii) works of masonry;

(iv) fencing; or

(v) other structures; or

(E) performs work of any kind;

in the construction or repair of a railroad or part of a railroad in Indiana; or

(2) furnishes material for:

(A) a bridge, trestlework, work of masonry, fence, or other structure; or

(B) use in the construction or repair of a railroad or part of a railroad;

in Indiana.

(b) The work, labor, or material described in subsection (a) may be provided under a contract:

(1) with the railroad corporation building, repairing, or owning the railroad; or

(2) with a person, corporation, or company engaged as:

(A) lessee;

(B) contractor;

(C) subcontractor; or

(D) agent;

of the railroad corporation in the work of constructing or repairing the railroad or part of the railroad in Indiana.

(c) A person to whom this section applies may have a lien to the extent of the work or labor performed, or material furnished, or both, upon:

(1) the right-of-way and franchises of the railroad corporation; and

(2) the works and structures as set forth in this section that may be upon the right-of-way and franchise of the railroad corporation;

within the limits of the county in which the work or labor may be performed or the material may be furnished.

(d) A person performing work or labor or furnishing materials under a contract described in subsection (b)(2) is not required to give notice to the railroad corporation under section 9 of this chapter in order to acquire and hold a lien for labor performed or material furnished under the provisions of this section. The performance of the labor or the furnishing of the materials is sufficient notice to the railroad corporation. A lien that is acquired as set forth in this subsection shall be enforced as other mechanic's liens are enforced in Indiana.

(e) A person who, in doing business with a railroad company, has constructed a building or other improvement on a portion of the railroad right-of-way adjacent to the person's place of business may have a lien to the extent of the fair market value of the improvement on that portion of the right-of-way. The lien may be acquired and enforced:

(1) upon abandonment of the right-of-way by the railroad company; and

(2) against the successors in title of the railroad company.

This subsection does not apply to property that is subject to a written agreement providing for the disposition of improvements upon abandonment. Liens acquired under this subsection shall be enforced as other mechanic's liens are enforced in Indiana.

[Pre-2002 Recodification Citation: 32-8-3-12.]

As added by P.L.2-2002, SEC.13.