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A slate of new laws officially took effect across Virginia on January 1, 2026, bringing changes to wages, unemployment benefits, health care costs, consumer protections, social media use, and more.
Virginia’s minimum wage increased by 36 cents, rising from $12.41 to $12.77 per hour. The tipped minimum wage remains $2.13 an hour, though employers must still ensure total earnings meet the state minimum wage.
Unemployment benefits also saw an increase, with eligible recipients now able to receive up to $52 more per week for claims filed on or after January 1.
New consumer protection laws now allow Virginians to opt out of unwanted marketing text messages by replying “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE.” Companies are legally required to honor those requests for at least 10 years.
A law signed last year places new limits on social media use for minors. Children under 16 years old will be restricted to one hour per day on social media platforms by default, though parents can modify the settings.
Several health care-related changes aim to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Insurance providers are now prohibited from charging additional fees for doctor-ordered breast cancer screenings, including mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds. Coverage for prostate cancer screenings has also been expanded in line with American Cancer Society guidelines.
New regulations for baby food manufacturers require mandatory testing for heavy metals. Companies must disclose testing results both on product labels and online, while adhering to FDA-established limits.
Drivers who owe court fines related to traffic violations can now request a detailed invoice outlining charges, balances, and payment history. Meanwhile, the Virginia State Police also announced the rollout of new vehicle inspection stickers for 2026.
SOURCE: WHSV3