A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2 a section numbered 2.2-4302.3, relating to Virginia Public Procurement Act; additional public works contract requirements.
Summary
SB366 would add a new section to the Virginia Public Procurement Act requiring public bodies to impose additional conditions on contractors and subcontractors for capital outlay projects. Covered projects would have to ensure OSHA safety training is completed, keep records showing compliance with applicable laws, participate in approved apprenticeship training programs, and provide written proof that at least one apprentice has been hired along with internal policies to track and increase apprentice labor hours. The bill defines “labor hours” for these purposes and applies the requirements to contractors and subcontractors working directly on the project site.
The bill is aimed at public works construction funded as capital outlay projects, but it expressly excludes transportation-related construction projects. It would take effect on July 1, 2027, and would therefore change procurement requirements for state and local public bodies overseeing qualifying construction projects after that date.
Impact
If enacted, SB366 would amend Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia by creating a new procurement requirement for public works and capital outlay projects. Public bodies would need to include these labor, safety, and apprenticeship conditions in covered construction contracts, and contractors and subcontractors would need to document compliance. The measure would not apply to transportation construction, limiting its reach to non-transportation capital projects.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong support and no recorded opposition: the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology reported the substitute 15-0, and Finance and Appropriations later incorporated it 15-0. With no committee transcript provided, the overall sentiment appears favorable and noncontroversial in committee, at least at the stages reflected in the record.
Contention
The main policy issue raised by the bill’s structure is the added compliance burden on contractors and subcontractors, especially the apprenticeship and documentation requirements tied to public works bidding and performance. Supporters likely view the bill as promoting workforce development, safety, and accountability on state-funded projects, while any concerns would center on administrative costs, contractor eligibility, and whether the apprenticeship mandate could limit competition. The explicit exclusion of transportation-related projects also suggests an effort to narrow the bill’s scope and avoid overlap with separate construction procurement rules.