In Case You Missed It: These VA Laws Went Into Effect July 1

As Virginians rushed to prepare for the holiday weekend, it's possible some forgot about the dozens of new laws that went into effect in the state on July 1.

On May 2, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed 53 bills into law, several of which improve the accessibility and quality of maternal health care in the state, public safety and Virginia's education system. In March, he signed an additional 599 bills.

"The legislation that I’ve signed into law and the budget amendments I’ve put forward this year will go a long way to helping ensure Virginia remains a great place to live, work and raise a family," Youngkin said in a statement.

Dozens of the signed bills went into effect on July 1. In case you missed it, here's a look at 12 significant pieces of legislation — making mail theft a felony, expanding overtime pay and classifying the use of Nazi swastikas as intimidation a felony — that are now law in the Commonwealth:

Seatbelt Use

The new law requires all adult passengers in a car to wear seatbelts when the vehicle is in motion on a public road. Current law requires seatbelt use only for the driver and front seat passenger. The updated law is a secondary offense, meaning drivers can only be cited if they are pulled over for another traffic violation.

Stopping For Pedestrians

The law makes it a traffic infraction if a driver operating a motor vehicle fails to stop for pedestrians and makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor if such traffic infraction results in the serious bodily injury or death of a pedestrian lawfully crossing a highway.

Mail Theft Penalty

Starting July 1, this new law will make mail theft a Class 6 felony and give local prosecutors the ability to bring charges in addition to existing federal penalties.

Virginia Overtime Wage Act

Beginning July 1, Virginia employers will be subject to the Virginia Overtime Wage Act, which adds new state overtime pay requirements. Previously, Virginia employers applied the overtime pay requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Like the FLSA, the Overtime Act obligates employers to pay one and one-half times an employee’s regular rate of pay for hours physically worked in excess of 40 in a workweek. Differences from the federal law include how the regular rate of pay is calculated for salaried nonexempt employees, a longer statute of limitations to bring potential claims and the possible damages available. Learn more.

Nazi Symbol Vandalism

The law makes it a Class 6 felony for any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, places a Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, on the private property of another without permission.

Styrofoam Ban

Starting July 1, restaurants, stores and food vendors with 20 or more locations in Virginia must stop using containers made from expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam. By July 1, 2026, all other food vendors must follow suit. The ban also applies to national chains and franchises operating in the state and vendors who regularly serve prepared food to the public.

Allowing Unlicensed Minors To Drive

This new law will make it a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia to allow a minor with no driver’s license or learner’s permit to operate a car if that operation results in a vehicle accident causing injury or death.

Threats Against Public Areas

Under this new law, anyone who threatens to shoot, bomb, burn or destroy any building, public place or any means of transportation will be charged with a Class 5 felony. If the person is under 18, then they will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Employer Liability For Sexual Assault Or Injury

This legislation — known as the Sexual Assault Employer Accountability Act — makes it possible for victims of sexual assault or other wrongful acts to bring civil cases against employers when the harm was committed by an employee. It specifically protects vulnerable individuals, including patients, residents of long-term care facilities and people with disabilities.

Driver's Licenses And Identification Cards

The law adds non-apparent disabilities to the list of conditions that the Department of Motor Vehicles, when requested by an applicant and upon presentation of a signed statement by a licensed physician confirming the applicant's condition, is required to indicate on such applicant's driver's license. The requirement is also extended to identification cards.

Nutritional Standards For School Food

This legislation prohibits any public elementary or secondary school from offering or making available to any student any food served as a part of a school meal that contains any of the seven color additives listed in the law.

Minors In Created Content

The law requires that a child under the age of 16 be compensated by a content creator if the child's name, likeness or photograph appears in the creator's content. The law requires the content creator to maintain certain records related to the child's appearances and the revenue generated from them. The law also requires the content creator to set aside gross earnings in a trust account for the child until they are 18 years old.

See the full list of 2025 changes to Virginia's laws.

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