Virginia’s new state laws will take effect on January 1, 2026, impacting consumer protection, health care, labor standards, agriculture, and digital safety. These measures, approved in recent legislative sessions, address public health transparency, online protections for minors, and economic pressures on families. State agencies have detailed these updates as part of standard implementation.
The 2026 updates will require tougher safety tests for baby food, expand insurance coverage for cancer screenings, limit social media use for children under 16, adjust the minimum wage, and increase unemployment benefits. These changes will impact many Virginians daily, influencing everything from grocery shopping and healthcare to online activities and earnings, representing a significant policy shift for the state.
Table of Contents
New Laws taking effect in Virginia from Jan. 1, 2026
| Policy Area | What Changes in 2026 | Who Is Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Food Safety | Mandatory heavy metal testing and public disclosure of results | Parents, caregivers, baby food manufacturers |
| Telemarketing Privacy | Ability to stop unwanted texts for at least 10 years | Consumers statewide |
| Social Media Use | One-hour daily limit for users under 16 without parental approval | Minors, parents, social media platforms |
| Court Fines Transparency | Right to request detailed and updated payment breakdowns | Defendants with court-imposed fines |
| Cancer Screenings | Full insurance coverage for breast and prostate screenings | Patients, health insurers |
| Minimum Wage | Increase to $12.77 per hour | Hourly workers |
| Unemployment Benefits | Weekly benefit increase of $52 | Unemployed workers |
Safety Rules for Baby Food Products
One of the most significant changes in 2026 affects infant nutrition and food safety. Under the Baby Food Protection Act, HB 1844, manufacturers of infant formula and baby food will be legally required to conduct routine testing for toxic heavy metals. These tests must ensure that products do not exceed limits established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Beyond testing, companies must now disclose this safety information openly. Results must be displayed on product labels and on the manufacturer’s official website. This transparency is intended to help parents make informed choices when purchasing infant food.
Consumers who believe a baby food product contains unusually high metal levels will also have a transparent reporting process. Such concerns must be reported to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, allowing authorities to investigate potential risks more efficiently.
Stronger Controls on Telemarketing Text Messages
Unwanted marketing texts have been a growing frustration for many Virginians. Effective in 2026, the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act, SB 1339 strengthens consumer rights by giving individuals an enforceable, straightforward way to stop these messages.
Recipients of unsolicited telemarketing texts will be able to opt out by replying with commonly used commands such as “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE.” The sender must comply with this request for at least 10 years. Companies that ignore these requests could face enforcement actions, making the new law a long-term protection rather than a temporary fix.
New Limits on Social Media Use for Minors
Digital safety for children and teenagers has been a key focus of recent legislation. Under amendments to the Consumer Data Protection Act, SB 854, social media platforms will be required to verify a user’s age using neutral age-verification methods.
If a user is identified as a minor, their daily social media use will be capped at one hour by default. Parents or legal guardians may approve changes to this limit, increasing or reducing screen time based on their child’s needs.
This law aims to balance online access with mental health and developmental concerns while keeping parental choice at the center of decision-making.
Greater Transparency in Court-Ordered Fines and Fees
Virginia is also improving clarity within the criminal justice system. Upon request, individuals convicted of offenses involving fines or court costs will receive detailed financial information starting in 2026.
Defendants may submit written or electronic requests to the court clerk for a clear breakdown of their obligations. This includes outstanding balances, payment history, and remaining amounts. Importantly, individuals can continue requesting updated statements over time, helping them track obligations and avoid confusion or unexpected penalties.
Expanded Health Insurance Coverage for Cancer Screenings
Health care access will see meaningful improvements under new insurance coverage rules. Starting January 1, 2026, health insurance providers in Virginia will no longer be allowed to charge patients out-of-pocket costs for medically ordered breast cancer screenings.
This includes mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds when prescribed by a health care provider. Insurance companies must fully cover these services, removing financial barriers that often delay early detection.
In addition, prostate cancer screenings will also receive full coverage. Blood tests and rectal exams related to prostate cancer must be included in insurance plans, provided they align with current guidelines from the American Cancer Society. These requirements ensure that screening standards remain grounded in up-to-date medical research.
Changes to Wages and Unemployment Benefits
Workers across Virginia will notice modest but meaningful adjustments to pay and unemployment support in 2026.
The state minimum wage will increase from $12.41 per hour to $12.77 per hour. While the increase is relatively small, it reflects Virginia’s continued approach of gradual wage adjustments rather than sudden jumps.
For those facing job loss, unemployment benefits will also improve. Weekly unemployment compensation will rise by $52, providing additional financial stability to individuals and families during periods of transition. This increase is intended to help cover basic living expenses while recipients search for new employment.
What These Changes Mean for Virginians
Taken together, the new laws effective in 2026 represent a broad effort to modernize protections and address everyday concerns, from safer baby food and reduced medical costs to better digital safeguards for minors and stronger consumer rights.
While some changes may seem incremental, their combined impact could be substantial, particularly for families with young children, older adults managing health care needs, and workers navigating economic uncertainty. As with any legislative update, residents may benefit from reviewing how these changes apply to their personal circumstances as the new year approaches.
Virginia’s 2026 laws signal a continued emphasis on public health, transparency, and consumer empowerment, setting the tone for the years ahead.