Bill > HB260

This bill mandates that public service companies, which are defined as entities providing essential services like utilities but excluding communications providers and certain other organizations, must pay a "prevailing wage rate" for "underground infrastructure work." The prevailing wage rate is determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry based on federal standards and represents the typical wages and benefits paid for similar work in the local area. Underground infrastructure work includes construction or repair of underground systems for distribution, conveyance, or storage owned by these companies, excluding routine maintenance. The Department of Labor and Industry is tasked with establishing and publishing these prevailing wage rates by December 1, 2026. Public service companies must ensure their contracts for such work require contractors and subcontractors to pay at least this prevailing wage, and these contractors must post the rate at the job site and maintain detailed records of wages paid and hours worked for at least six years, making them available to the Department upon request. These requirements will take effect for contracts entered into or modified on or after July 1, 2027, and do not apply to contracts valued at $250,000 or less.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB260