If you work on building projects in WV, be aware of revised language requiring licensure, introduced in the January 9, 2020 legislature under House Bill 4012:
It is unlawful for any person [“Person” includes an individual, firm, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other entity engaged in the undertaking of construction projects or any combination thereof] to practice or offer to work in this State as a contractor, as defined herein, without a license issued under the provisions of this article, or advertise or use any title or description tending to convey the impression that the person is a licensed contractor or subcontractor, as defined herein, unless such person has been duly licensed under the provisions of this article.
“Contractor” means a person who in any capacity for compensation, other than as an employee of another, undertakes, offers to undertake, purports to have the capacity to undertake, or submits a bid to construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building, highway, road, railroad, structure or excavation associated with a project, development or improvement, or to do any part thereof, including the erection of scaffolding or other structures or works in connection therewith, where the cost of the undertaking is $2,500 or more. Contractor includes a construction manager who performs management and counseling services for a construction project for a professional fee.
“Specialty contractor” means a person who engages in specialty contracting services which do not substantially fall within the scope of any contractor classification as set out herein.
“Subcontractor” means a person who performs a portion of a project undertaken by a principal or general contractor or another subcontractor.