7 New VA Laws Taking Effect On July 1, 2025

From driver's license changes to threatening public areas, multiple bills will officially become law in Virginia 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.

• Related: 5 New VA Laws Going Into Effect On July 1, 2025

Here's a look at seven significant bills going into effect on July 1:

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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