3 New Virginia Laws You Need To Know For 2018

RICHMOND, VA — Every year, the Virginia Assembly adopts hundreds of new laws, most of which take effect in July. But there are a few that kick in on Monday, Jan. 1. They range from a law that allows women to obtain a year's worth of birth control — a measure opposed by insurers — to a sales tax exemption for coin collectors.

Some of the laws taking effect on Jan. 1, as compiled by WTOP, are:

Birth control: Women in Virginia may obtain a year’s supply of birth control pills all at once instead of a monthly or quarterly supplies. While backers of the law say it will help prevent unwanted pregnancies, it was opposed by the insurance industry, which said it would increase waste.

Home service contracts: Responsibility for regulating home service contracts shifts from the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The move requires contractors to re-register with the state, and introduces new regulations. Read the full bill here.

Coin collectors: Coin collectors will no longer have to pay sales tax on purchases of more than $1,000 starting. A similar sales tax exemption on gold, silver or platinum bullion buys is also extended until 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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