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.

Minimum wage increase

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

Unemployment benefits also went up. Weekly payments will increase to $52 more per week for claims effective on or after January 1.

Unwanted text messages from solicitors

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.

Social media usage limited for minors

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.

Health care

New laws related to health care will take effect that’ll help lower the cost burden for Virginia residents.

• Insurance companies will not be allowed to charge extra on breast cancer screenings such as mammograms, MRI’s, and ultrasounds, when ordered by a doctor.
• Coverage will be expanded for prostate cancer screenings, which must follow current American Cancer Society guidelines.

Baby food regulations and testing

Baby food...

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