RICHMOND, Va. (VIRGINIA MERCURY) – Hundreds of new Virginia laws take effect Wednesday after Gov. Abigail Spanberger acted on more than 1,100 bills approved by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly.
Here’s a look at 10 of the most notable new Virginia laws and how they could affect residents across the commonwealth. (For more information, click/tap here for the story from Virginia Mercury)
Alcohol sales in restaurants
Virginia restaurants and bars will see changes to the state’s longstanding food-to-alcohol sales rules under House Bill 975. The law reduces or eliminates the required ratio for some establishments depending on monthly food sales.
Businesses averaging more than $48,000 a month in food sales will no longer be subject to the ratio requirement, while some smaller establishments will face lower thresholds.
Assault weapons ban
Starting Wednesday, Virginia was set to ban the future sale, manufacture, import and transfer of certain assault-style firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines under Senate Bill 749 and HB 217, but a Washington County Circuit Court judge on Monday temporarily blocked enforcement of portions of the law while legal challenges continue. If fully implemented, violations can carry a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.
The law applies to future transactions and generally does not require current owners to surrender weapons they already possess. Antique firearms and manually operated weapons such as pump-action or bolt-action rifles are exempt.
Clean Slate record sealing
Virginia’s long-awaited Clean Slate law will begin allowing certain misdemeanor charges and other eligible criminal records to be sealed from public view beginning July 1. Some records may qualify for automatic sealing while others will still require a court petition.
Employment law changes
Virginia is expanding restrictions on noncompete agreements under several employment laws taking effect this week.
SB 170 prevents employers from enforcing many noncompete agreements against workers fired without severance pay unless they were terminated for cause.
Another measure, SB 128 and HB 627, bars noncompete agreements for many licensed healthcare workers, including nurses, counselors, psychologists and physicians. Employers that violate the restrictions can face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Marijuana sentence reviews
People still incarcerated or under supervision for certain felony marijuana offenses committed before July 1, 2021, may receive automatic hearings to reconsider their sentences under HB 26 and SB 62.
The law applies to some convictions and probation violations involving marijuana possession, manufacturing, distribution or transportation before Virginia legalized personal possession five years ago.
Renter protections
Several housing laws taking effect Wednesday will expand protections for Virginia renters.
Under HB 1005 and SB 313, landlords must accept rent payments by check or money order and cannot charge processing fees beyond actual third-party costs. Another measure, HB 15 and SB 48, increases the notice period for unpaid-rent evictions from five to 14 days before landlords can move to terminate a lease.
School cellphone restrictions
Public schools across Virginia will be required to enforce stricter cellphone restrictions during the school day under SB 108. The law requires school divisions to prohibit student cellphone and smart-device use from the beginning of the school day until dismissal, with exceptions for medical or educational needs.
Speed-limiting devices for reckless drivers
Virginia judges will have new authority to require certain reckless drivers to install speed-limiting technology in their vehicles under HB 2096, which passed last year but had a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026. The law creates Virginia’s Intelligent Speed Assistance Program and targets repeat speeding offenders and drivers caught traveling more than 100 mph.
Participants must install systems capable of limiting vehicle speeds and may avoid license suspension by enrolling in the program. The legislation also allows some drivers to voluntarily enter the program before trial.
Styrofoam container ban expands
Virginia’s ban on expanded polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, food containers will fully apply statewide beginning July 1 after a phased roll-out over the past several years.
Under the law, restaurants, convenience stores and other food vendors can no longer serve prepared food in single-use foam containers.
Wage transparency law
Employers in Virginia will be prohibited from asking job applicants about prior pay and will be required to disclose salary ranges in job postings beginning Wednesday under HB 636 and SB 215. The law also bars employers from retaliating against workers who request salary information or decline to share salary history.
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