Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia SB731: An Act to amend and reenact § 15.2-947 of the Code of Virginia, relating to private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections; report.
Status: Chaptered, April 22, 2026
Private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections; report. Requires the governing body of any county or city that contracts with a private company to provide transportation services to (i) require such company to provide any employee of such company providing such services compensation and benefits that are, at a minimum, equivalent to the compensation and benefits provided to a public employee, as defined in the bill, with a position requiring equivalent qualifications and years of service; (ii) provide transportation services through such company's own employees; and (iii) if such county or city subsequently elects to provide its own system of public transportation, adopt an ordinance or resolution providing for collective bargaining and ensure all employees of such private company are offered employment with such subsequent public transportation system without loss of compensation or benefits. The bill clarifies that the bill only applies to actions occurring on or after the effective date and excludes any action taken, contract signed, liability incurred, or right accrued prior to July 1, 2026, from the requirements. Finally, the bill directs the Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to convene a work group to develop recommendations on how to implement the provisions of the bill and requires the work group to report its findings and recommendations to the Chairs of the House Committee on Labor and Commerce and Senate Committee on Local Government by November 1, 2026. This bill is identical to HB 547.
What the bill says
An Act to amend and reenact § 15.2-947 of the Code of Virginia, relating to private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections; report. [S 731] Approved April 22, 2026 1. That § 15.2-947 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as protection of employees. A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing body of any county or city not a member of a transportation district, upon finding a need for a system of public transportation and the inability of the governing body to reach a reasonable agreement for membership with an existing transportatio.
From the enrolled text, April 22, 2026:
An Act to amend and reenact § 15.2-947 of the Code of Virginia, relating to private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections; report. [S 731] Approved April 22, 2026 1. That § 15.2-947 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as protection of employees. A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing body of any county or city not a member of a transportation district, upon finding a need for a system of public transportation and the inability of the governing body to reach a reasonable agreement for membership with an existing transportation district, may create, operate, maintain, or contract for a system of public transportation to be operated in such county or city for the safety, comfort, and convenience of the public. The governing body of any such county or city providing a system of public transportation or desiring to provide such a system may contract with any authority providing public transportation in contiguous localities for transportation services or the interchange of passengers for the purpose of providing continuous service between localities. B. The governing body of any county or city that contracts with a private company to provide a system of public transportation shall, in its bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents, require such company 2. Provide transportation services through its own …