VIRGINIA — Several new laws took effect Jan. 1, 2022 in Virginia, ranging from a raise in the minimum wage to a ban on testing cosmetics on animals and a change in the commonwealth's primary election date.
While many laws approved by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Ralph Northam last year already took effect, here are some of the laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2022:
Minimum wage hike to $11: Workers must now be paid a minimum of $11 per hour, an increase from the $9.50 an hour rate adopted on May 1, 2021. On Jan. 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase again to $12 per hour. The state's minimum wage will eventually increase to $15 an hour in 2026. SB 7
End of cosmetics testing on animals: The Humane Cosmetics Act stops the practice of testing cosmetics on animals and halts the sale of products that were tested on animals. A first offense of the law carries a $5,000 fine, with $1,000 for each day there are further violations. HB 2250
Ban the box: Public colleges and universities in Virginia can no longer ask questions about criminal history in admissions materials and applications. The Virginia Military Institute and public law schools accredited by the American Bar Association are exempt. Criminal history can be asked for after an applicant is sent an offer and schools can rescind offers if someone is deemed a safety risk.
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