Bill > HB339

This bill strengthens worker protections by ensuring that if federal laws concerning prevailing wages, wage and hour standards, occupational health and safety, or mining safety become less protective, state regulations will step in to maintain at least the same level of protection. Specifically, for public works projects, the bill clarifies that "public works" includes federal construction projects administered by state agencies or localities if the state's prevailing wage rate is equal to or higher than the federal rate. The prevailing wage will be determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry based on either federal Davis-Bacon Act rates or local collective bargaining agreements, whichever is higher, provided employers meet certain local employment thresholds. Furthermore, if any federal wage and hour law, occupational health and safety law, or mine safety law is weakened through repeal, amendment, or reinterpretation, the Commissioner, the Safety and Health Codes Board, or the Department of Energy, respectively, are required to enact state regulations that incorporate the protections of the original federal law as a minimum standard. The bill defines "stringent" as a law's overall effectiveness in protecting workers' rights, meaning a law is more stringent if it imposes stricter employer obligations or provides greater employee rights and benefits.

Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB339