Several new Virginia laws officially took effect at the turn of the new year, bringing changes that impact workers, families, consumers, and businesses across the Commonwealth. These updates touch on wages, healthcare access, online safety, privacy rights, and financial transparency in the legal system.
At Keefer Law Firm, we focus on Virginia traffic cases, including reckless driving, speeding, and license suspensions. To offer proper representation and defend our clients, we are always updated on new legislation in these spaces. With an updated understanding of charges and penalties, we can put up a good fight in court giving you a better chance at a favorable outcome.
Law Changes Effective January 1, 2026
Some of the changes that went into effect in January 1, 2026 include:
Minimum Wage Increase
Virginia’s minimum wage increased from $12.41 to $12.77 per hour on January 1, 2026. This 36-cent increase comes from the state’s inflation-based adjustment, which uses the Consumer Price Index to help wages keep pace with rising costs of living.
According to the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, employers should pay tipped employees an hourly wage of $2.13. However, the total of tips and wages should atleast match Virginia’s minimum wage of $12.77 an hour. If the employee does not earn enough in tips to reach that amount, the employer must make up the difference.
Social Media Restriction for Minors
Starting January 1, 2026, Virginia will require social media platforms to verify users’ ages and limit daily use for children under 16 years old to one hour per platform unless a parent gives verifiable consent to adjust that limit. This requirement is aimed at addressing youth online safety and screen time concerns.
Social media platforms must use commercially reasonable age-screening methods and may not use age data for any purpose beyond compliance and age-appropriate experiences. They are also prohibited from degrading service quality or charging different prices solely based on these usage limitations imposed on minors.
Affordable Breast Cancer Testing
From January 1, 2026, Virginia prohibited cost-sharing for certain breast imaging services under state-regulated health insurance plans. This means eligible patients should not be charged copays, coinsurance, or deductibles for covered diagnostic or supplemental breast exams, including diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and breast MRIs.
This matters because follow-up imaging is often needed after an abnormal screening result or when a patient has a higher risk of breast cancer. By removing these out-of-pocket costs, the law makes it easier for patients to get additional testing without delaying care because of cost. However, the protection generally applies to plans regulated by Virginia, so coverage may depend on the type of health insurance plan a person has.
Baby Food Protection Act
The changes to Virginia’s Baby Food Protection Act requires baby food manufacturers to test products for lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. Baby food that exceeds FDA limits cannot be sold, distributed, or offered for sale in Virginia.
Manufacturers must make test results available to consumers on their websites. When required, product labels must also include a QR code or similar scannable code that links to testing information and FDA guidance. Consumers who reasonably believe a product violates the law should report it to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Telephone Privacy Protection Act
The new changes to Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act strengthens rules on telemarketing calls and text solicitations, giving Virginia residents more control over unwanted contact and clearly defining when and how sales-related calls or messages may be made.
Under the updated rules, telemarketers and sellers must:
- Contact only between 8 AM and 9 PM unless the recipient consents otherwise
- Identify themselves by name and the entity they represent at the start of each call
- Transmit accurate caller ID information so recipients can opt out
- Honor opt-out requests from telemarketing text messages and calls (including the words “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE” via text) for at least 10 years
- Play a prerecorded message with identification if a live representative isn’t immediately available
These changes to the telephone privacy law aim to align with the state’s protections for modern communications, including marketing text messages, and to help reduce unwanted spam while bolstering consumer privacy.
Increased Unemployment Compensation
On January 1, 2026, the Virginia Employment Commission will raise the maximum weekly unemployment benefits. This adjustment aims to align with current economic conditions, offering better financial support for jobless workers.
The updated rules calculate weekly benefits based on recent wages, with a new higher maximum than before. This change supports unemployed individuals’ essential needs during job searches, while eligibility and benefit duration adhere to existing Virginia criteria.
Itemized Bill in Traffic and Criminal Case Costs
Virginia defendants in traffic and criminal cases may request an itemized statement of what they owe. This can include fines, court costs, restitution, forfeitures, penalties, and other assessed charges.
The law also allows defendants to request an updated balance or payment history. This gives people a clearer breakdown of their court-related financial obligations instead of leaving them with one confusing total. For traffic defendants, that can make it easier to understand what was assessed after a conviction and what still needs to be paid.
Stay Informed and Protect Your Driving Record
Many of Virginia’s 2026 law changes affect workers, families, consumers, and businesses. For drivers, the court cost transparency update is especially important because it can make fines, fees, and payment obligations easier to understand after a traffic or criminal case.
If you are facing a speeding ticket, reckless driving charge, distracted driving offense, or license suspension, Keefer Law Firm can help you understand the charge, possible penalties, and options for protecting your driving record. Contact Keefer Law today to discuss your Virginia traffic case before making decisions that could affect your license, insurance, or record.
