PLA Repeal Bill Introduced in Virginia Assembly

HB 1570 would ensure free, fair, and open competition on procurements involving Virginia tax dollars.

Learn more below.

New legislation aimed at ensuring free and open competition on public construction projects has been introduced in the Virginia General Assembly. Delegate Bill Wiley (Winchester) introduced HB 1570 on January 8, 2024, seeking to repeal a controversial 2020 law that allows public bodies—including state and local governments—to mandate discriminatory project labor agreements (PLAs), and discriminate against tens of thousands of workers across Virginia.

Prior to 2020, PLAs were prohibited on public construction projects. The current law, however, permits public officials to mandate these agreements as a condition for bidding, effectively shutting out the majority of Virginia’s construction companies and the thousands of workers they employ. The result? Fewer bids on taxpayer-funded projects and the exclusion of over 95% of Virginia construction workers from participating in these opportunities.

HB 1570 has been referred to the Committee on Labor and Commerce, chaired by Delegate Jeion Ward (Hampton). The committee will play a pivotal role in determining whether this critical legislation advances or not. For a list of committee members and their contact information, visit: Committee on Labor and Commerce.

This legislation represents an important step toward restoring fairness and opportunity for Virginia’s construction industry and workforce.