Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

Virginia SB518: An Act to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-4321.3, 23.1-1009, and 40.1-6 of the Code of Virginia, relating to prevailing wage rate for public works contracts; definitions; civil penalty; work group; report.

Status: Chaptered, April 22, 2026

Prevailing wage rate for public works contracts; localities. Requires each state agency or locality, when procuring services or letting contracts for public works paid for in whole or in part by state or local funds, or when overseeing or administering such contracts for public works, to ensure that its bid specifications or other public contracts applicable to the public works require bidders, offerors, contractors, and subcontractors to pay wages, salaries, benefits, and other remuneration to any mechanic, laborer, or worker employed, retained, or otherwise hired to perform services in connection with the public contract for public works at a rate no less than the prevailing wage rate. The bill also amends the definition of "public works" to include work performed at certain institutions of higher education and to exclude work performed at a non-governmental property or facility used to provide broadband or other telecommunications services. Under the bill, any interested party shall have standing to challenge bid specifications, project agreements, or other public contracts for public works that violate the provisions of the bill. The bill requires institutions of higher education to expressly agree to comply with the public works contract requirements. Under the bill, the Commissioner shall determine the prevailing wage based on a survey of wages and benefits paid in each area, as defined in the bill, conducted every three years. The bill includes factors for the Commissioner to consider in determining a prevailing wage rate. The bill directs the Commissioner to adopt regulations to implement the provisions of the bill by July 1, 2027. The bill also requires the Commissioner to convene a work group to review logistics for establishing a certified payroll reporting portal and database for use by employers and to submit a report of its findings to the General Assembly by July 1, 2027. This bill incorporates SB 370 and is identical to HB 569.