New VA Laws For 2022: Minimum Wage, No Animal Tests, Inhalers

VIRGINIA — Several new laws took effect Jan. 1, 2022 in Virginia, ranging from a raise in the minimum wage to a ban on testing cosmetics on animals and a change in the commonwealth's primary election date.

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, 2022:

Minimum wage hike to $11: Workers must now be paid a minimum of $11 per hour, an increase from the $9.50 an hour rate adopted on May 1, 2021. On Jan. 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase again to $12 per hour. The state's minimum wage will eventually increase to $15 an hour in 2026. SB 7

End of cosmetics testing on animals: The Humane Cosmetics Act stops the practice of testing cosmetics on animals and halts the sale of products that were tested on animals. A first offense of the law carries a $5,000 fine, with $1,000 for each day there are further violations. HB 2250

Ban the box: Public colleges and universities in Virginia can no longer ask questions about criminal history in admissions materials and applications. The Virginia Military Institute and public law schools accredited by the American Bar Association are exempt. Criminal history can be asked for after an applicant is sent an offer and schools can rescind offers if someone is deemed a safety risk.

Insurance coverage: Vehicle liability insurance will cover larger monetary amounts in cases of bodily injury or death. Liability insurance will now cover $30,000 when one person is harmed or killed, and $50,000 to $60,000 when two people are hurt or killed. SB 1182

Drug prices: The Virginia Department of Health must hire a firm to create a database of prescription drug pricing. Health carriers, pharmacy benefits managers and drug manufacturers will be required to report drug price information to the organization. HB 2007

June primary election date change: The Virginia primary election date moves from the second Tuesday in June to the third Tuesday in June. SB 1148

Residency requirements for local elections: School board members and other local government officials elected to represent a specific ward or district will now only be elected by qualified voters of that district or ward. HB 2198

ABC ends sale of most low-alcohol beverages: Beverages with 7.5 percent or less alcohol by volume will no longer be available at liquor stores, except for those manufactured in Virginia. SB 1428

ID cards: Virginia residents who don’t have legal documents will be able to get an identification card through the Department of Motor Vehicles. In 2021, they gained eligibility for driver’s privilege cards.

Inhalers in public schools: Some school employees are now allowed administer stock albuterol inhalers to students with asthma. Students with asthma or severe allergies will also be allowed to possess and use inhalers or auto-injectable epinephrine.

Municipal election date changes: All municipal elections for council members and school board members shifts from May to November starting with all elections held after Jan. 1, 2022. Communities that elected their officials in May will now vote in November. SB 1157

This story includes information from WRIC, NBC Washington and WTOP.