VA SB644

Expands the definition of "employer" to match federal Fair Labor Standards Act standards and broadens "wages" to include hourly wages, overtime, commissions, tips, bonuses, and damages from worker misclassification.

Strengthens worker misclassification protections by creating a presumption that individuals performing services for remuneration are employees unless proven to be independent contractors under IRS guidelines, with a three-year statute of limitations for claims.

Enhances whistleblower protections by extending the statute of limitations from one to two years, adding punitive damages for malicious violations, and prohibiting employers from including policies that impede reporting of illegal activity.

Makes general contractors jointly and severally liable for unpaid wages of subcontractor employees on construction projects over $500,000, removing the previous requirement to prove the contractor knew about wage violations.

Authorizes the Attorney General and Commissioner of Labor and Industry to investigate violations, institute administrative proceedings, and bring civil actions to enforce wage payment, prevailing wage, and worker misclassification laws.