The proposed bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article that reestablishes prevailing wages for state government contracts related to public improvements. It outlines the responsibilities of public authorities to ascertain and publish fair minimum wage rates for construction work, which must be included in contract specifications. The bill mandates annual determinations of these wage rates, establishes procedures for filing objections, and provides for hearings and judicial review. Additionally, it requires that contracts contain provisions ensuring compliance with the established wage rates and mandates that these rates be posted at construction sites.

The bill also introduces penalties for violations, including fines for contractors who fail to adhere to the wage requirements and provisions for workers to recover unpaid wages. It specifies that the law applies only to contracts for construction on public improvements let after the effective date of the article, thereby limiting its scope to future contracts. This legislation seeks to reinstate the Prevailing Wage Law that was previously in effect until its repeal in 2016, ensuring that workers on state-funded projects receive fair compensation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-5A-1, 21-5A-2, 21-5A-3, 21-5A-4, 21-5A-5, 21-5A-6, 21-5A-7, 21-5A-8, 21-5A-9