New Virginia laws take effect today

The following laws enacted by the Virginia General Assembly and signed by the governor take effect on July 1:

Student cell phones – School boards are required to implement policies restricting the use of cell phones on school property during the school day. Limited exceptions are allowed for students who need a phone for medical reasons. This law prohibits students from being suspended or expelled as a consequence of any violation of such policies. 

Seatbelts – All adult passengers in a motor vehicle are required to wear seatbelts on a public highway. Under current law, only adults in the front seats are required to wear seatbelts.

Drug penalties – People who manufacture or sell fentanyl that unintentionally results in someone’s death can be charged with involuntary manslaughter, punishable by one to 10 years in prison.

Social media apps – The owners or operators of social media platforms must provide age verification for accounts. For any account holder under age 16, social media platforms must limit use of the app to one hour, with a parental consent option to override that limit. 

Student overdoses – School principals must report certain information to parents within 24 hours of a confirmed or suspected school-connected student overdose. 

Driver’s licenses – An applicant at the DMV can request that a non-apparent disability be displayed on a driver’s license or ID card. The applicant must submit a signed statement from a physician confirming the condition.

Kid influencers – A child under age 16 who meets certain criteria must be compensated for taking part in video content creation. 

Pedestrian safety – It’s a Class 1 misdemeanor if a driver’s failure to stop for a pedestrian results in the serious bodily injury or death of a person lawfully crossing a highway.

Fantasy sports gambling – The minimum age to play fantasy sports for money goes up from 18 to 21, aligning those games with casino wagering.

Health insurance – Health insurance carriers are prohibited from imposing cost-sharing for mammograms and other diagnostic breast exams.

Hidden fees – A supplier, in connection with a consumer transaction, is prohibited from advertising or displaying a price for certain goods or services without clearly and conspicuously displaying the total price, including all mandatory fees or surcharges. There are exceptions for car dealers, utilities, and airlines.

Nazi graffiti – Vandalizing property with a Nazi symbol, such as a swastika, with the intent to intimidate is a Class 6 felony.

Police interrogations – Police are prohibited from knowingly lying or presenting false documents – including those created by AI – to minors they interrogate as criminal suspects.

Polystyrene takeout containers – A law passed in 2021, which takes effect July 1, requires restaurants with 20 or more locations to stop using polystyrene packaging for takeout items and drink containers. The law will take effect for smaller restaurants in July 2026.

Maternal health – The state’s Medicaid program will cover up to 10 doula visits for pregnant and postpartum women. Doulas are nonclinical professionals who provide physical and emotional support during and after pregnancy.

Tiny homes – Local governments are authorized to allow tiny homes, defined as dwellings of 400 square feet or less in floor area, and accessory dwelling units within a residential development.

Unlicensed minor drivers – Anyone who knowingly authorizes a minor without a driver’s license to operate a vehicle can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor if the minor has a crash resulting in death or injury. This law was advocated by Tammy Gweedo McGee of Yorktown after her son, Conner, was killed in 2019 by an underage, unlicensed teen who had been allowed to drive by his parents.

Nicotine products – Law enforcement is given the authority to seize tobacco, hemp, and vapor products from people under age 21. Sellers of vape products are subject to a $400 penalty if they don’t have a license from the Department of Taxation.

Drivers with autism – The DMV is required to implement a program for the promotion, printing, and distribution of materials that will help officers communicate when a traffic stop involves a driver with autism.

Cocktails-to-go – This law makes a previous policy permanent that allows restaurants and other licensed businesses to deliver wine, beer, and cocktails to-go through third-party providers.