New Virginia Laws Take Effect January 1, 2026: Wage Increases, Social Media Limits for Minors, and Expanded Health Coverage

As the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2026, Virginia’s residents and businesses will see a wave of new laws go into effect—laws aimed at strengthening consumer protections, ensuring safer products, and expanding access to healthcare.

From small but important wage increases to major reforms in data privacy, telemarketing, and insurance coverage, these laws reflect growing legislative attention to everyday concerns facing families across the Commonwealth.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the key changes Virginians will see in the new year:

Minimum Wage Bump to $12.77 per Hour

Virginia’s statewide minimum wage will increase from $12.41 to $12.77 per hour, continuing the planned progression laid out by earlier legislation. The change is small but meaningful for thousands of workers and reflects efforts to better align wages with cost-of-living increases.

Unemployment Benefits Rise

For Virginians who lose their jobs, weekly unemployment benefits will increase by $52, thanks to HB 2401/SB 1056. The change is intended to offer greater financial stability during times of job loss and reduce the burden on struggling families.

Baby Food Protection Act: Stronger Safety Standards

The Baby Food Protection Act, taking effect Jan. 1, prohibits the sale of baby food containing toxic heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) that exceed FDA-established limits. Manufacturers must test every production batch and clearly label the results on the packaging. This law is among the first of its kind in the nation, aimed at protecting infants and toddlers from long-term exposure to harmful contaminants.

New Protections for Telecommunication Privacy

Under the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act (SB 1339), recipients of unwanted telemarketing text messages will gain new rights. Businesses must now:

• Include a clear opt-out option in each message
• Respect opt-out requests sent via simple replies like “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE”
• Honor those requests for 10 years

This law cracks down on persistent spam messages and gives residents better control over their mobile privacy.

Consumer Data Protection & Social Media Limits for Minors

The Consumer Data Protection Act (SB 854) will require businesses to comply with consumer requests to:

• Access, correct, delete, or transfer their personal data
• Explain how data is collected and used

One of the most significant updates under this law targets social media use by minors. Platforms must:

• Use neutral age verification tools to identify users under age 16
• Automatically limit minors to one hour of use per day, unless a parent provides consent to extend or reduce that time

This move addresses growing concerns about the effects of excessive screen time and social media use on children’s mental health.

Clearer Court Fine Information for Defendants

Under HB 1665, individuals convicted of a crime who owe court fines may now request a written or electronic breakdown of their obligations. This includes itemized statements showing what’s been paid and what remains. Defendants may continue to request updated balances, helping them track and manage their legal debts more easily.

Expanded Insurance Coverage for Preventive Screenings

Two new laws will provide no-cost access to essential cancer screenings, ensuring that preventive healthcare is more affordable and accessible:

• HB 1828/SB 1436 prohibits insurance companies from charging patients for breast cancer screenings such as mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds when ordered by a doctor. These screenings will now be fully covered by insurance.
• HB 2097/SB 1314 ensures that prostate cancer screenings—including blood tests and rectal exams—are covered at no extra cost. Screenings must follow the latest American Cancer Society guidelines to stay current with best practices in early detection.

Supporters say these new rules will eliminate barriers to early diagnosis, which can dramatically improve outcomes for cancer patients.

A New Year of Greater Protections

These changes come at a time when many Virginians are concerned about rising costs, digital safety, and access to care. Lawmakers say the new legislation reflects a commitment to addressing those challenges in practical ways.