Takeaways
- Virginia lawmakers advanced major workplace legislation in the 2026 session that would materially expand employer obligations.
- Key proposals include minimum wage increases, paid sick leave and family leave mandates, menopause-related accommodations, expanded VHRA anti-discrimination coverage and tighter limits on non-competes. The governor has signed, amended or vetoed some bills.
- Most changes take effect 07.01.26 or later.
The Virginia General Assembly advanced wide-ranging labor and employment reforms during its 2026 legislative session that will require employers to assess and revise their policies and practices.
This article provides an overview of the most consequential measures signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger on April 13, 2026, and their expected impact on employers. The effective date is July 1, 2026, unless otherwise noted. The governor also vetoed or sent back some bills with recommendations.
Minimum Wage Increase, Compensation Reform
Signed:
- House Bill (HB) 1 and Senate Bill (SB) 1 will gradually increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by Jan. 1, 2028. The minimum wage rises to $12.77 on Jan. 1, 2026, $13.75 in 2027, and $15 in 2028.
- SB 121 (which also includes HB 20) repeals exemptions for farm workers and certain temporary foreign workers.
Changes proposed:
- HB 238 would allow employees to bring civil actions for minimum wage, misclassification, or prevailing wage violations and expand anti-retaliation protections for employees who...
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