summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The purpose of this bill is to provide political subdivisions the authority to hire the lowest responsible bidder enter into project labor agreements.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the Local Government Freedom Act, amends existing West Virginia law regarding public construction contracts. Key provisions include clarifying that "lowest responsible bidder" means a bidder whose proposal meets all specifications and who has the financial stability and experience to complete the contract, and defining "project labor agreement" as a pre-hire contract with unions to set employment terms for a specific construction project. Crucially, the bill grants political subdivisions, such as cities and counties, the legal authority to establish their own regulations for awarding public construction projects to the lowest responsible bidder, rather than just the lowest bidder, and allows them to enter into project labor agreements with contractors for these projects.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (10)
Andy Shamblin (R)*,
Wayne Clark (R),
Mark Dean (R),
Bill Flanigan (R),
Scot Heckert (R),
David Elliott Pritt (R),
Carl Roop (R),
Jeffrey Stephens (R),
Jimmy Willis (R),
Evan Worrell (R),
Last Action
Subcommittee on Local Government Meeting (13:00:00 2/3/2026 House Government Organization Committee Room) (on 02/03/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4549&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4549%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=4549 |
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