July 1 is the beginning of a new fiscal year for Virginia. Therefore a number of new laws go into effect on that date.
Many of the new laws focus on public safety, housing, employment and criminal justice, among other areas.
Judges can now require reckless or high-speed offenders to install Intelligent Speed Assistance technology in their vehicles. The technology prevents vehicles from going more than 10 m.p.h. over the post speed limit.
On-duty law enforcement officers will be required to provide life-saving aid to those with serious injuries or life-threatening conditions when it is safe to do so.
Those operating a vehicle are not prohibited from livestreaming or interacting with a livestream. Should anyone livestreaming be involved in a traffic accident, they could face fines up to $500 and suspension of their driving license.
Localities may now place automated traffic enforcement devices, such as cameras, at stop signs, crosswalks and school zones.
Anyone convicted of certain sex offenses are permanently banned from being within 100 feet of specified park facilities such as athletic fields, playgrounds, etc. Violations are a Class 6 felony.
The definition of cyberstalking and harassment has been updated to cover online, email and social media. Misdemeanor and felony penalties are now in place for cyberstalkers.
The Clean Slate Act automatically seals many eligible misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana. Petition-based sealing is also available for some low-level non-violent felonies. Ineligible categories include violent crimes, sex offenses, and certain firearms offenses.
Employers must include good-faith salary ranges in job postings. Employers are also banned from asking about previous salary history.
Non-compete clauses in contracts will be unenforceable against employees fired without cause.
A separate ban on non-compete clauses is now in effect for many licensed health care professionals, including nurses, doctors, counselors, among others.
Landlords will now be required to accept checks and money orders for rent and deposits without including excessive processing fees.
Landlords must also give tenants up to 14 days’ notice before eviction.
Phase two of the ban on Styrofoam is now in effect. This phase requires all food servers in Virginia to be Styrofoam free.
One of the most notable and hotly debated laws has temporally been halted from taking effect. The Lancaster County Circuit Court issued a temporary injunction on a law that would prohibit the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of certain “assault firearms” and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices.
“Assault firearms” is defined as semi-automatic center-fire rifles, pistols, and some shotguns.
