RICHMOND, Va. — A new slate of state laws took effect Tuesday, July 1, impacting schools, roads, workplaces, and consumer protections across Virginia. School divisions are now required to update their policies to address cyberbullying that happens off-campus. Cell phone restrictions have been tightened on school grounds, though violations cannot result in suspension or expulsion. Meanwhile, online content creators must now document when minors under 16 appear in monetized posts.
On the roads, all adult passengers are now required to wear seat belts, no matter where they sit. Drivers who injure or kill a pedestrian could face criminal charges. Adults who knowingly allow an unlicensed minor to drive may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.
At work, a new law allows employers to be held civilly liable if an employee causes intentional harm, including assault, while on the job. Another change affects how overtime is calculated for certain salaried employees.
Several consumer protection laws are also now in place. Delivery apps must clearly display all fees before checkout. Gift cards can no longer carry inactivity or dormancy fees. Victims of crime now have three years, instead of one, to apply for compensation through the Virginia Victims Fund. The Department of Motor Vehicles is also rolling out new tools. Drivers can request license notations for invisible disabilities. Autistic drivers will be given communication support envelopes for traffic stops. And public colleges across the state must end the practice of legacy admissions.
Photo: Virginia.gov