Bill > SB324

This bill, effective July 1, 2027, introduces new requirements for public works construction contracts in Virginia valued over $5 million, excluding transportation projects. Public bodies must ensure contractors and their subcontractors complete specific safety training, maintain compliance records, and demonstrate that at least one apprentice has been hired and internal policies are in place to track and increase apprentice labor hours, with "apprentice" defined as a worker in a registered apprenticeship program. The bill also establishes detailed provisions for how contractors and subcontractors must handle and report information about independent contractors they hire, including providing specific written notices to these independent contractors outlining their tax obligations, lack of employee protections, and responsibilities if they hire their own employees, and requires the prime contractor to collect and submit this information to the project owner, who then forwards it to state labor and tax departments. Additionally, public institutions of higher education entering into certain agreements will need to explicitly agree to comply with these new public works contract requirements. The Department of General Services is also directed to evaluate the feasibility of requiring even more apprentices on public works projects and report its findings by November 1, 2026, and to develop guidelines for collecting independent contractor information.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB324