Government Affairs

General Assembly Update

February 1, 2012

Senate Passes PLA Bill

The Senate has passed its bill dealing with project labor agreements. In a 20-20 tie vote, the Lt. Governor cast the deciding vote to send the bill to the House. SB 242 requires state agencies to ensure that neither the state agency nor any construction manager acting on behalf of the state agency shall, in its bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents relating to the operation, erection, construction, alteration, improvement, maintenance, or repair of any public facility of public works: (i) require or prohibit bidders, offerors, contractors, or subcontractors to enter into or adhere to agreements with one or more labor organizations, on the same or related projects; or (ii) discriminate against bidders, offerors, contractors, subcontractors, or operators for becoming or refusing to become or remain signatories or otherwise to adhere to agreements with one or more labor organizations, on the same or other related public works projects. (See the January 31st VTCA General Assembly Update regarding the House PLA legislation)

Regional funding, Gas Tax and Indexing bills to be considered by House Appropriations Subcommittee
Today, House Finance Subcommittee #2 will consider several bills that would increase funding for transportation, provide for a “pump toll”; and, index the gas tax: HB 422/Watts; HB 802/May; and, HB 1241/Purkey. The Subcommittee is chaired by Delegate Hugo (R-Fairfax). It is the same Subcommittee that voted to kill Delegate Putney’s bill that would have allowed a referendum to raise the sales tax one cent with the proceeds going to transportation, education and mental health. Members of the Subcommittee are: Hugo (Chairman), Ware, R.L., Byron, Anderson, Garrett, Bell, Richard P., Lewis, Watts, Keam, James

Senate Committee Passes Eminent Domain Bill

The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee passed a bill that would allow a voter referendum on a constitutional amendment regarding eminent domain. SB 240 provides for a referendum at the November 6, 2012, election to approve or reject an amendment eliminating the General Assembly’s authority to define a public use for which private property may be taken or damaged and (i) requiring that eminent domain be exercised for public uses and not for the primary purpose of private gain, private benefit, private enterprise, increasing jobs, increasing tax revenue, or economic development; (ii) defining what is to be included in determining just compensation for permissible takings; and (iii) prohibiting the taking of more private property than is necessary for the stated public use.