These new Virginia laws go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A wave of new laws in Virginia is set to take effect in the New Year, and several can impact your life and your wallet.

Some changes Virginians will see are to the state's minimum wage, social media limits for teenagers and breast cancer testing when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2026.

Here are some to watch:

Minimum wage increase

Virginia's minimum wage will increase to $12.77 starting Jan. 1, 2026. This reflects a 36-cent increase from the current minimum wage rate of $12.41.

Per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, tipped employees must be paid $2.13 an hour, but their total earnings -- including wages and tips -- must meet the minimum wage rate.

Social media limits for minors

Children under the age of 16 will be restricted to one hour per day per social media platform starting Jan. 1, 2026.

The legislation was signed earlier this year by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. It requires platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Pinterest and X to enforce the limit through default settings.

Parents will have the option to adjust those limits.

Breast cancer testing

Breast cancer testing will be more affordable in Virginia beginning in 2026.

New legislation signed into law earlier this year will prohibit health insurance companies from charging patients co-pays, deductibles or any other fees for breast cancer testing, such as mammograms, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and breast ultrasounds.

Baby food protection

Manufacturers will be required to test toxic heavy metals in a baby food product in accordance with the limit established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consumers must also report the product to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services if they believe the product being sold exceeds the FDA limits.

Manufacturers must also disclose toxic heavy metals on their website and on the product.

Telephone solicitations by text message

The Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act will allow anyone receiving a telephone solicitation via text messages to request not to receive such messages.

Text recipients can simply reply with "UNSUBSCRIBE" or "STOP," and the solicitors would have to honor the requests to unsubscribe for at least 10 years.

Unemployment compensation

The new bill will increase unemployment claims beginning in the New Year. Claims effective on or after Jan. 1, 2026, will be $52 higher than the current weekly benefit amounts.

Itemized bill in traffic, criminal cases

Anyone convicted of a traffic violation or a crime in Virginia and has to pay fines, restitution or other costs may require the court clerk to provide an itemized bill.

The bill will include an updated statement of the outstanding balances -- meaning the amount you owe -- and your payment history if requested.

The defendant can request the bill in writing or online.