RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) - Thursday, January 1, 2026, new laws in the Commonwealth started to go into effect from wages and health care to social media.
Virginia’s minimum wage increased from $12.41 to 12.77 per hour, a 36-cent increase. Tipped workers will still be paid $2.13 an hour, but their wages and tips together must meet the minimum wage.
Unemployment benefits also went up. Weekly payments will increase to $52 more per week for claims effective on or after January 1.
Commonwealth residents by law will have the ability to opt out of unwanted marketing text messages by replying, “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE,” a request in which companies must honor for at least ten years.
A law signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin last year will require minors under 16-years-old to be limited to one hour per day for social media usage. Platforms would be required to enforce the time limit by default, but parents may also adjust the settings, if necessary.
New laws related to health care will take effect that’ll help lower the cost burden for Virginia residents.
Baby food...
Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan is supporting Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s decision to pursue legal action against a US-based law firm, opposition members, and several media outlets. Earlier thi...