New Virginia laws now in effect for 2026
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The new year has begun, and with it a slew of new laws are now in effect.
State of play: Here are some of the new laws Virginians should be aware of in 2026.
Kids under the age of 16 are now limited to one hour per day on social media unless a parent consents to more (or less) time. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are required to verify age and set the default hour limit.
- (We'll have more on this next week, including the lawsuit filed by tech companies attempting to block it.)
If you text "STOP" or "UNSUBSCRIBE" to telemarketers they have to honor your request and remove you — for at least 10 years.
The makers of baby food are now required to test their products for toxic heavy metals to ensure they don't exceed limits established by the FDA.
People who file for unemployment benefits can now get up to $430 a week, $52 more than the state paid in previous years.
Health insurance providers can no longer charge patients for breast exams and supplemental exams that are common after abnormal mammograms.
Virginians convicted of a traffic violation, or any crime, and who owe money to the court can now request an invoice with an itemized list of fees.
In case you missed it, Virginia's minimum wage went up to $12.77 an hour on Jan. 1.
And a 5-cent tax on single-use plastic bags is now in effect in the city. (Henrico County, which doesn't have a bag tax, is asking residents who are charged one in the county to report it).