Labor & Employment

Virginia Workforce Development and Career Connection and Training Foundation and Fund. Establishes as a body politic and corporate the Virginia Workforce Development and Career Connection and Training Foundation to support the interests of the Commonwealth's workforce and its employers and contributors through the Secretary of Labor and the programs and services of the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. The bill sets out the membership and powers and duties of the Foundation, provides that the Foundation may hire an Executive Director and employees, and creates the Virginia Workforce Development and Career Connection and Training Fund. The bill provides that funds or property to the Fund are gifts to the Commonwealth and the Fund is exempt from all state and local taxes.

Virginia Public Procurement Act; additional public works contract requirements. Provides that public bodies shall require the contractor and its subcontractors for any capital outlay project, as defined in the bill, to complete certain safety training programs, maintain records of compliance with applicable laws, and participate in approved apprenticeship training programs. The bill provides exemptions from such requirements for reasons related to lack of availability of apprentices and high costs. The provisions of the bill do not apply to transportation-related construction projects. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.

Transportation network companies; minimum compensation; civil penalty. Establishes minimum compensation rates for TNC partners. The bill also prohibits gratuities from passengers from being included in TNC partner compensation calculations, authorizes TNC partners to collect gratuity in cash or electronically, and prohibits transportation network companies from limiting the amount that can be paid as gratuity through such companies' digital platforms. The bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to establish a process for reporting violations and to investigate claims. The bill authorizes enforcement by civil action or by civil penalties assessed by the DMV Commissioner.