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SB 111

Reinstating prevailing wage

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Woelfel

SB 111 reinstates prevailing wage requirements for West Virginia public construction projects, mandating locality-based wage standards that typically increase labor costs significantly.

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Bill Summary · SB 111

Legislative bill overview

SB 111 would reinstate prevailing wage requirements in West Virginia, which mandate that workers on public construction projects be paid wages consistent with rates established for similar work in their locality. The bill reverses West Virginia's previous elimination of prevailing wage protections and would apply to state-funded or state-assisted construction projects.

Why is this important

Prevailing wage policies directly affect labor costs on public projects, influencing both worker compensation and project budgets. This bill represents a significant policy reversal with implications for construction industry practices, public construction timelines, and the competitiveness of bidding processes on government contracts.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Prevailing wage requirements typically increase public construction project costs by 10-30%, affecting taxpayer spending and project budgets
  • Labor market effects: Supporters argue it protects workers from wage undercutting; opponents contend it reduces hiring opportunities and competitiveness for smaller contractors
  • Economic development: Debate over whether higher labor costs on public projects disadvantages West Virginia's construction industry relative to neighboring states without prevailing wage requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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