Requires Prevailing Wages for Underground Utility Work
Virginia · HB260 · Introduced Jan 9, 2026
Why it matters
Workers on underground utility projects would be paid set minimum wage and benefit rates. Contractors would face new paperwork and record-keeping duties, which could raise project costs.
What it does
- Requires public service companies to set prevailing wage rates for underground infrastructure work contracts
- Requires contractors to pay workers at least the state's highway construction wage and benefit rates
- Requires contractors to post wage rates at job sites and itemize pay and benefits
- Requires contractors to keep wage and hours records for six years and give them to the state within 10 days
- Does not apply to contracts of $250,000 or less or to communications providers
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would require public service companies to pay prevailing wages on underground infrastructure work in their contracts. The Labor Department would set the rates, and only contracts signed on or after July 1, 2027 would apply.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Labor groups would likely say workers on utility projects deserve fair, predictable pay. Posted rates and records would make it easier to catch underpayment.
💬 The case against
Some contractors would likely say the wage rules raise project costs. They may also say the record and posting duties add paperwork.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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