Hundreds of new Virginia laws will begin taking effect Wednesday, after Gov. Abigail Spanberger acted on more than 1,100 bills approved by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly earlier this year.
Not every measure passed this year will be triggered into action all at once. Some policies will phase in over the coming months or years, while others begin changing rules for Virginia residents, schools, businesses and courts starting this week.
Among the laws taking effect immediately on July 1 are expanded cellphone limits in public schools, broader renter protections and a requirement that employers disclose salary ranges in job postings.
Other measures create a process to reconsider certain older marijuana convictions, allow judges to require speed-limiting technology for some reckless drivers and loosen long-standing alcohol sales rules for restaurants.
A new assault-style firearms ban approved by lawmakers was also scheduled to begin Wednesday, but enforcement has been temporarily blocked a judge in Southwest Virginia while legal challenges proceed.
“I’m proud of our work to tackle the biggest challenges facing Virginia families,” Spanberger said in a statement after reviewing legislation sent to her desk. “I’ve seen — and signed — dozens of bipartisan bills to address high costs across the board — particularly in healthcare, housing, and energy.”
Here’s a look at 10 of the most notable new Virginia laws and how they could affect residents across the commonwealth.
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