This bill amends the West Virginia Jobs Act by establishing requirements for employers who receive a local labor utilization waiver for public improvement construction projects. It mandates that these employers hire at least 75% of their workforce from the local labor market, with provisions allowing for two employees from outside the local market per project. If an employer cannot meet this requirement, they must notify WorkForce West Virginia with the necessary job descriptions and wage rates. If WorkForce West Virginia cannot provide qualified applicants within three business days, a waiver will be issued, allowing the employer to hire from outside the local labor market while adhering to the same qualifications and wage rates initially provided.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the West Virginia Jobs Act applies to all public improvement projects, including those authorized by the West Virginia Economic Development Authority. It requires public authorities to file waiver certificates and certified payrolls with the Division of Labor, which will compile this information and report it annually. A significant new provision is the establishment of an online public database by the Division of Labor to archive certified payroll documents, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive personal information.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-1C-4, 21-1C-5