New VA Laws For 2024: Cannabis Control, Hearing Aid Mandate, Pay Raise

VIRGINIA — Several new laws took effect Jan. 1, 2024 in Virginia, ranging from more retired veterans gaining tax-exempt status to a pay increase for teachers and a shift in who manages the state's medical marijuana program.

While many laws approved by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Ralph Northam last year already took effect, here are some of the laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2024:

Tax Exemption for Military Retirees: After enacting tax exempt status for military retirement pay in 2022, the Virginia General Assembly passed and Gov. Youngkin signed legislation that removed the age restriction. Beginning on Jan. 1, all military retirees will be exempt from paying state taxes, regardless of their age.

Pay Raise for Teachers and Other School Staff: As part of the 2023 state budget that Gov. Youngkin signed on Sept. 14, $54.6 million from the General Fund will be used to give teaches and other school staff members a 2 percent pay raise, which goes into effect on Jan. 1.

Foster Care And Adoption Information: As of Jan. 1, evaluation reports of potential adopter or foster homes will be shared across all foster agencies within Virginia. This information can be shared between licensed child-placing agencies within the state, subject to limitations or other regulations imposed by law.

Licensed Counselors Can Work In Other States: Starting on Jan. 1, Virginia will allow eligible, certified school counselors to practice in other states. The law aims to address the nationwide shortage of school counselors. Virginia will officially be a signatory of the Counseling Compact, which will allow counselors licensed in Virginia to apply for work in other states that are part of the compact.

Medical Marijuana Control Shift: Beginning on Jan. 1, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority will manage the state's medical cannabis program, which has been overseen by the Board of Pharmacy.

Minors With Hearing Aids: Starting Jan. 1, health insurance companies will be required to provide hearing aid coverage to anyone 18 or younger in Virginia.

Health Insurance Notification: As of Jan. 1, a heath insurance carrier will have to notify its customers when a healthcare provider is removed from the carrier's provider panel. The panel refers to the list of providers that are part of a customer's healthcare plan. Under the new law, a carrier will need to establish a system to notify a customer six months in advance of when a provider is removed from the provider panel.