This 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 policy that all workers employed by public authorities for construction projects must be paid at least the prevailing hourly wage for similar work in the locality. The bill includes provisions for defining key terms, requiring contractors to ascertain and include wage rates in contract specifications, and mandates annual determinations of these rates by the Division of Labor. It also establishes procedures for filing objections to wage determinations, conducting hearings, and providing for judicial review and appeals.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that contracts must contain provisions regarding minimum wages, requires wage rates to be posted at construction sites, and mandates recordkeeping by contractors and subcontractors. Violations of the act are subject to criminal penalties, including fines for willful violations and provisions for workers to recover unpaid wages. Importantly, the law will only apply to contracts for public improvements let after the effective date of the article, ensuring that it does not retroactively affect existing contracts. This legislation effectively reinstates the Prevailing Wage Law that was in place prior to its repeal in 2016.

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