Here Are 7 New VA Laws Going Into Effect On New Year's Day

From the minimum wage to unemployment benefits to new safety requirements for baby food, multiple bills will officially become law in Virginia on Jan. 1, 2026.

The Virginia General Assembly is preparing to begin its new session on Jan. 14, but these bills that will become law on New Year's Day were passed last session.

Here are some of the changes coming to Virginia law and how they will affect residents:

New Safety Requirements For Baby Food, Infant Formula

The Baby Food Protection Act (HB 1844) prohibits companies from selling, distributing or offering for sale a baby food product that contains certain toxic heavy metals that exceed the limits established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The bill also requires a manufacturer of a baby food product to meet certain testing requirements and include certain information related to toxic heavy metals on the manufacturer's website and on the baby food product.

Stronger Protections Against Unwanted Telemarketing Messages

This expansion to the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act permits anyone receiving a telephone solicitation via text message to stop unwanted messages by replying with the word "UNSUBSCRIBE" or "STOP." The bill requires a telephone solicitor to stop sending messages and honor the request for at least 10 years.

Social Media Time Limits For Minors

Amendments to the Consumer Data Protection Act under SB 854 will introduce default daily usage limits for minors. The legislation will require social media platforms to use commercially reasonable methods, such as a neutral age screen mechanism, to determine whether minors younger than 16 years of age. Once identified, companies must limit the minor's use of a platform to one hour per day, per service or application, and allow parents to give consent to increase or decrease the daily time limit.

Expanded Insurance Coverage For Cancer Screenings

Under HB 1828, medical insurance providers in Virginia must fully cover breast cancer screening procedures, including mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds, when ordered by a healthcare provider. Patients will not be required to pay deductibles, copayments or coinsurance for the screenings. The bill also requires insurance providers to cover prostate cancer screenings, such as blood tests and rectal exams.

Minimum Wage, Unemployment Benefit Increases

Starting Jan. 1, the state minimum wage will increase from $12.41 per hour to $12.77 per hour. Virginians who lose their jobs will also receive an additional $52 per week in unemployment compensation.

Fentanyl Testing

Under this bill, dubbed "Malcolm's Law," hospitals with an emergency department will be required to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens used to assist in diagnosing a patient's condition.

Itemized Statement Of Court Fines

HB 1665 requires clerks of court to provide itemized statements listing any fines, restitution, forfeitures or penalties paid by anyone convicted of a traffic infraction or crime.