It’s just about time to say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026. This was a big year with a lot of changes, since Trump took office and did essentially what he said he would do. Between major political changes, sweeping global tariffs, and ICE deportations, a lot of other significant laws and changes were put into effect at the state and federal levels. Here are all the new laws coming into effect for Virginia starting in 2026.
New Laws for Virginia Inbound
Here is a summary of every new law that begins in just a few days.
Employment & Wages
- State Minimum Wage Increase
Virginia’s minimum wage increases (from its 2025 level), tied to inflation and affecting most workers in the Commonwealth. The minimum wage will increase to $12.77 starting in 2026.
Digital Safety & Privacy
- Social Media Time Limit for Minors (SB 854)
Social media platforms must limit daily use for users under 16 to one hour per platform per day, unless a parental consent allows more. Platforms must verify user age.
Consumer & Health Protections
- Baby Food Protection Act (HB 1844)
Requires baby food manufacturers to test products for toxic heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury) per FDA limits, disclose results, and comply with stricter labeling/testing requirements. - Expanded Cancer Screening Coverage
Insurance companies must expand coverage for breast and prostate cancer screening services. - Telephone Privacy Protection (SB 1339)
Telephone solicitors must honor text message opt-out requests (“STOP” / “UNSUBSCRIBE”) for at least 10 years. This will deal a huge blow to phone scammers who constantly harass customers with fake phone numbers and phishing attempts.
Unemployment Benefits
- Higher Unemployment Compensation Weekly Benefit
Unemployment weekly benefit amounts increased (for eligible workers).
As you can see, quite a few changes to improve the everyday lives of everyone, on either side of the political spectrum, plus less harmful crap in baby food, are always a win/win for everybody.
