RICHMOND, Va. -- As the new year begins, a number of bills passed by the Virginia General Assembly last year are now in effect in the Commonwealth.
While many of the laws passed by the legislative body took effect July 1, others were delayed until Jan. 1.
Minimum Wage Increase
Virginia's minimum wage goes from $9.50 per hour to $11 per hour on Jan. 1. Several more increases will take place over the years until the minimum wage eventually reaches $15 per hour in 2026.
Insurance
Vehicle insurance requirements go up on Jan. 1 as minimum coverage for crashes with one victim goes from $25,000 to $30,000 and from $50,000 to $60,000 for a wreck with two or more victims.
An insurance agent with AAA said the new year is a good time to check-in with your provider.
"To just review it, if there's going to be any premium adjustments or increase that will be applied to you," Kristel Hoes said.
Another law changes the name of any stretch of U.S. Route 1 still named Jefferson Davis Highway to Emancipation Highway. While old signage still remains, Chesterfield County was set to be impacted, but county leaders voted last summer to instead rename it Route 1.
Elections
And starting in 2022, towns or cities with municipal elections in May are now in November with the rest of Commonwealth. Among those localities impacted is the town of Ashland.
The date for primary elections also shifts from the second to the third Tuesday in June.
Animal Cruelty
Another law, which bans the use of animals for...
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