Subcommittee moves a string of bills: prevailing wage, heat rules, subscriptions, workforce standards, and procedural actions
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Summary
The subcommittee reported several substitutes (prevailing wage, heat‑safety standards, subscription protections, solar workforce standards, workplace-violence policy) and carried or tabled other bills. Several measures were referred to appropriations or carried to 2027.
The subcommittee considered a package of bills and took a mix of votes and procedural actions.
Prevailing wage (HB 5 69): Delegate Fagan presented a substitute that adds liquidated damages, certified payroll requirements and a biennial Virginia wage survey to set prevailing rates; union witnesses supported the bill and procurement groups raised administrative and competition concerns. The subcommittee reported the substitute and referred it to appropriations by a 5–2 vote.
Heat-safety standards (HB 10 92): Delegate Hernandez presented a substitute requiring Safety and Health Codes Board standards to protect workers when the heat index reaches 80°F (water, shade, rest, training), with carve-outs for brief emergency work. Medical, labor and farm witnesses testified in favor; some members objected to a private cause of action. The subcommittee reported the substitute 5–2.
Automatic-renewal protections (HB 10 22): Delegate Reeser presented a substitute to require conspicuous disclosures and simple cancellation methods for automatic-renewal or continuous service subscriptions; consumer groups supported the change while industry raised concerns. The committee reported the bill with amendments 6–1.
Solar workforce standards (HB 13 72): Substitute would set wage and labor standards for certain solar projects; labor groups supported it. The subcommittee reported the substitute and referred it to appropriations 5–2.
App-store age verification (HB 7 57): After testimony from tech and civil-liberties groups raising constitutional and privacy concerns, and proponent remarks urging action to protect children, the committee voted to carry the bill to 2027 for further work.
Workplace violence policy substitute: Counsel presented a heavily amended substitute (definition changes, documentation timeline extended to 15 days, $10,000 annual penalty cap, good-faith exemption, delayed effective date 01/01/2027). Supporters included the Virginia Education Association and major employers; the substitute was reported 4–2.
Administrative actions: The committee struck three bills at patrons' request early in the meeting, carried HB 13 24 (Farm Equipment Right to Repair Act) to 2027, and laid HB 12 51 (Digital Right to Repair) on the table.
Next steps: Several reported bills will move to appropriations or subsequent House stages; carried items return to the 2027 docket.
