RICHMOND — July 1 marks the date that new laws go into effect across Virginia.
Over 800 laws were approved during the 2024 legislative session, here are 10 of note:
Banning of Legacy Admissions
Virginia is the second state to ban legacy admissions in its public universities that give preferential treatment to applicants based on their connections to not only alumni but to donors as well.
Cocktails To-Go Will Continue
Takeout and delivery of alcoholic beverages remain legal however, a provision allowing delivery by third-party companies (DoorDash and UberEats) was repealed and will end July 1, 2026.
Codi Alert Program/ Virginia Critical Operation for a Disappeared Child Initiative
The Virginia Critical Operation for a Disappeared Child Initiative (Codi Alert program), spearheaded by Hampton delegate A. C. Cordoza, allows for any child under the age of 17 to be declared missing or endangered with a public notification alert.
High-risk Intersections will be Allowed Photo Speed Monitoring Devices
Permits a state or local law enforcement agency to place and operate a photo speed monitoring device at high-risk intersections.
Jury Exemption Age Raised From 70 to 73
Increases from age 70 to 73 before a person is exempt from service upon request.
Local Governments May Reduce Speed Limits
The law expands the current authority of any locality to reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour, but not less than 15 miles per hour, on highways within its boundaries that are located in a business district or residence district including highways within the state highway system, provided that such reduced speed limit is indicated by lawfully placed signs.
Restroom Access for Medical Conditions
The law requires a retail establishment that does not have a public restroom but has an employee toilet facility to allow any customer with an eligible medical condition, as defined in the law, to use the employee toilet facility during normal business hours if certain conditions are met.
Unlawful to Declaw Cats
The practice of declawing cats for any person engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine except as necessary for a therapeutic purpose, as defined in the bill.
Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee
The option to pay a fee rather than maintain insurance coverage for your vehicle will be eliminated, and the DMV will no longer collect the Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee. To purchase license plates or decals, you must certify that the vehicle is covered by the minimum insurance requirements.
Utility Shutoff Unlaw in Extreme Temperatures
Utility companies — electric, gas, water, and wastewater — can no longer disconnect service to a residential customer for nonpayment of bills or fees during a state of emergency or when the forecasted temperature low is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 92 degrees Fahrenheit within the 24 hours following the scheduled disconnection.
For a complete list of laws approved during the 2024 legislative session, click here.
