New Virginia Laws Going Into Effect July 1: See The List

RICHMOND, VA — From speed limits to roadkill to declawing cats, multiple bills officially become law Monday in the Commonwealth.

Many of the new laws will bring significant change to Virginia. Several signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin focus on child welfare, mental health and elections.

Here's a look at some of the most significant bills that go into effect Monday.

Firearms (HB 22/SB 210/SB 363)

New legislation bans “auto sears,” devices that can convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon that can rapidly fire a full magazine of bullets. Additional legislation prohibits the removal or alteration of serial numbers on any gun except antique firearms.

Opioids (SB 498)

This bill requires the Virginia Board of Education to establish guidelines for school-connected overdose response and parental notification policies. The goal is to aid local school boards in implementing similar policies.

Ending Child Marriage (HB 994)

Minors — even those legally emancipated — will not be allowed to marry in Virginia. The legislation closed a legal loophole that previously allowed minors 16 or older to marry if they had been declared legal adults through emancipation.

Access To Election Polling Places (HB 441/SB 605)

The new legislation clarifies that individuals with a disability (not just a physical disability) can vote curbside. The new law will also require training for poll workers on disability access.

Speeding In Work Zones (HB 282)

This law creates new fines for any moving violation in a highway work zone. A fine of up to $300 would be assessed for a first offense, with the fine increasing to up to $500 for a second offense. If a subsequent offense occurs within 12 months, the fine would be a minimum of $750.

Behavioral Health (HB 1242/SB 546)

This new law allows a family member or legal guardian to be present when a person is undergoing evaluation for an emergency custody order or temporary detention. The exception is unless the family member or legal guardian is considered to pose a medical, clinical or safety risk.

Placing Children In Foster Care With Relatives (HB 27/SB 39)

This bill created the Parental Child Safety Placement Program, which prioritizes placing children with family members to avoid placement in the foster care system.

Legacy Admissions Banned At Colleges (HB 48)

The new law prohibits public colleges or universities from providing preferential treatment in the admissions to any student applicant based on the student's legacy status or familial relationship to any institution donor.

Speed Limits (HB 1071)

This bill allows cities to reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour but not less than 15 miles per hour on state highways in either business or residence districts.

“Lucia’s Law” (SB 44/HB 36)

This law enables authorities to charge parents or guardians with felony child neglect if their child gains possession of a gun when they had reason to believe the child could pose a threat to themself or others. The law was named for 13-year-old Lucia Bremer of Henrico County, who was shot and killed by a 14-year-old using a gun he found in his home.

Bathroom Access (HB 474)

Retail stores that do not have public bathrooms will now be required to provide restroom access to people with certain medical conditions. Conditions include any inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. The use of an ostomy device or other diagnosed conditions, including pregnancy, may also necessitate urgent access to a restroom.

The "Cake Pop" Law (HB 759)

Inspired by K.P.’s Kake Pops, this law makes it easier for small food entrepreneurs to sell their goods at temporary events like craft markets. It allows residents who prepare food at home to sell goods at events that run for less than 14 days. It also loosens restrictions on how they can advertise online.

Right To Roadkill (HB 1025)

This law allows any deer, bear, turkey or elk killed in a collision with a motor vehicle to be claimed by or gifted to any person. Current law allows only a deer or bear to be claimed.

Cat Declawing (HB 1354)

This law makes it illegal for veterinarians to declaw cats except as necessary for a therapeutic purpose.