Here Are 10 Notable New Virginia Laws That Will Take Effect July 1

Hundreds of new Virginia laws will begin taking effect Wednesday, after Gov. Abigail Spanberger acted on more than 1,100 bills approved by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly earlier this year.

Not every measure passed this year will be triggered into action all at once. Some policies will phase in over the coming months or years, while others begin changing rules for Virginia residents, schools, businesses, and courts starting this week.

Among the laws taking effect immediately on July 1 are expanded cellphone limits in public schools, broader renter protections, and a requirement that employers disclose salary ranges in job postings.

Other measures create a process to reconsider certain older marijuana convictions, allow judges to require speed-limiting technology for some reckless drivers, and loosen long-standing alcohol sales rules for restaurants.

A new assault-style firearms ban approved by lawmakers was also scheduled to begin Wednesday, but enforcement has been temporarily blocked by a judge in Southwest Virginia while legal challenges proceed.

“I’m proud of our work to tackle the biggest challenges facing Virginia families,” Spanberger said in a statement after reviewing legislation sent to her desk. “I’ve seen — and signed — dozens of bipartisan bills to address high costs across the board — particularly in healthcare, housing, and energy.”

Here’s a look at 10 of the most notable new Virginia laws and how they could affect residents across the commonwealth.

Alcohol sales in restaurants

Virginia restaurants and bars will see changes to the state’s longstanding food-to-alcohol sales rules under House Bill 975. The law reduces or eliminates the required ratio for some establishments depending on monthly food sales.

Businesses averaging more than $48,000 a month in food sales will no longer be subject to the ratio requirement, while some smaller establishments will face lower thresholds.

Restaurant groups argued the old formula no longer reflected higher drink prices and how many customers now dine and socialize. The law also requires restaurants to maintain at least as many table seats as counter seats.

Assault weapons ban 

Starting Wednesday, Virginia was set to ban the future sale, manufacture, import, and transfer of certain assault-style firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines under Senate Bill 749 and HB 217, but a Washington County Circuit Court judge on Monday temporarily blocked enforcement of portions of the law while legal challenges continue. If fully implemented, violations can carry a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.

The law applies to future transactions and generally does not require current owners to surrender weapons they already possess. Antique firearms and manually operated weapons such as pump-action or bolt-action rifles are exempt.

People convicted under the law will also be barred from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms for three years after conviction. Gun safety advocates argue the measure is aimed at reducing gun violence and mass shootings.

Clean Slate record sealing

Virginia’s long-awaited Clean Slate law will begin allowing certain misdemeanor charges and other eligible criminal records to be sealed from public view beginning July 1. Some records may qualify for automatic sealing, while others will still require a court petition.

The law applies only to certain offenses and includes waiting periods and other eligibility requirements. Advocates have argued the measure could help thousands of Virginians whose older convictions still affect employment and housing years later.

Employment law changes

Virginia is expanding restrictions on noncompete agreements under several employment laws taking effect this week.

SB 170 prevents employers from enforcing many noncompete agreements against workers fired without severance pay unless they were terminated for cause.

Another measure, SB 128 and HB 627, bars noncompete agreements for many licensed healthcare workers, including nurses, counselors, psychologists, and physicians. Employers that violate the restrictions can face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

Backers of the legislation said the changes are intended to give workers more freedom to change jobs while helping address staffing shortages in healthcare.

Marijuana sentence reviews

People still incarcerated or under supervision for certain felony marijuana offenses committed before July 1, 2021, may receive automatic hearings to reconsider their sentences under HB 26 and SB 62.

The law applies to some convictions and probation violations involving marijuana possession, manufacturing, distribution, or transportation before Virginia legalized personal possession five years ago.

Criminal justice advocates say the law is intended to address disparities tied to older marijuana enforcement policies. The review process will remain available until July 1, 2029.

Renter protections

Several housing laws taking effect Wednesday will expand protections for Virginia renters.

Under HB 1005 and SB 313, landlords must accept rent payments by check or money order and cannot charge processing fees beyond actual third-party costs. Another measure, HB 15 and SB 48, increases the notice period for unpaid-rent evictions from five to 14 days before landlords can move to terminate a lease.

The laws also prohibit landlords from charging tenants for maintenance or repair costs unless the tenant caused the damage through a lease violation. Tenant advocates say the changes give renters more time and flexibility to avoid eviction.

School cellphone restrictions

Public schools across Virginia will be required to enforce stricter cellphone restrictions during the school day under SB 108. The law requires school divisions to prohibit student cellphone and smart-device use from the beginning of the school day until dismissal, with exceptions for medical or educational needs.

Current law already required some limits on student phone use, but the new legislation expands those restrictions statewide. School officials and supporters argue that the goal is to reduce classroom distractions and improve student focus and behavior.

The law takes effect July 1 ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

Speed-limiting devices for reckless drivers

Virginia judges will have new authority to require certain reckless drivers to install speed-limiting technology in their vehicles under HB 2096, which passed last year but had a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026. The law creates Virginia’s Intelligent Speed Assistance Program and targets repeat speeding offenders and drivers caught traveling more than 100 mph.

Participants must install systems capable of limiting vehicle speeds and may avoid license suspension by enrolling in the program. The legislation also allows some drivers to voluntarily enter the program before trial.

Anyone who tampers with or attempts to bypass the system can face a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. Lawmakers said the measure is aimed at reducing deadly crashes linked to excessive speeding.

Styrofoam container ban expands

Virginia’s ban on expanded polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, food containers will fully apply statewide beginning July 1, after a phased roll-out over the past several years.

Under the law, restaurants, convenience stores, and other food vendors can no longer serve prepared food in single-use foam containers.

Chain restaurants with 20 or more Virginia locations were required to comply beginning in July 2025, while all remaining food vendors must now comply.

Localities may grant temporary hardship exemptions to businesses facing economic challenges. Violators can face civil penalties of up to $50 per day.

Wage transparency law

Employers in Virginia will be prohibited from asking job applicants about prior pay and will be required to disclose salary ranges in job postings beginning Wednesday under HB 636 and SB 215. The law also bars employers from retaliating against workers who request salary information or decline to share salary history.

Supporters say the measure is intended to reduce wage disparities and make hiring practices more transparent.

Employers that violate the law can face civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for later violations. Workers and job applicants may also sue for damages and other legal relief.

by Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury

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