RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia is getting into a brand new yr and with that new yr comes new legal guidelines. Most of the legal guidelines handed by the Common Meeting and accepted by Gov. Ralph Northam in 2021 have already gone into impact however some don’t begin till New 12 months’s Day.
Here’s a listing of a few of Virginia’s new legal guidelines going into impact on Jan. 1, 2022:
Improve in motorized vehicle legal responsibility insurance coverage protection quantities: SB 1182
Beginning in 2022, motorized vehicle legal responsibility insurance coverage will cowl extra in instances of bodily harm or demise of an individual. The rise will apply to insurance policies efficient between Jan. 1, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2025. Legal responsibility insurance coverage will now cowl $30,000 when one particular person is harmed or killed as an alternative of $25,000. In instances involving two individuals, protection will increase from $50,000 to $60,000.
Necessities for prescription drug worth transparency: HB 2007
A brand new Virginia legislation directs the Virginia Division of Well being to contract a nonprofit knowledge providers group to create a database of prescription drug pricing. Well being carriers, pharmacy advantages managers and drug producers will probably be required to report drug worth info to the group.
Finish of cosmetics testing on animals: HB 2250
The Humane Cosmetics Act places an finish to cosmetics testing on animals in Virginia and likewise prevents any additional sale of cosmetics which have been examined on animals. Anybody who violates the legislation might pay as much as $5,000 in preliminary fines and $1,000 for every day they proceed breaking the legislation.
Change to June major election date: SB 1148
The Virginia major election sometimes held the second Tuesday in June has been moved to the third Tuesday in June. Potential candidates may also have till the third Tuesday in June to file nomination and candidacy papers for officers decided by a November normal election.
District or ward-based residency necessities for native elections: HB 2198
College board members and native authorities officers elected to signify a selected ward or district will now solely be elected by certified voters of that district or ward. This new legislation states that these elections should not be made by the whole locality however as an alternative simply the particular space the candidate would signify. Virginia legislation beforehand allowed at-large voting for these sorts of candidates.
Minimal wage enhance to $11: SB 7
Virginia employers will now be required to pay their employees a minimal of $11 per hour. The Virginia minimal wage elevated from the federal minimal to $9.50 an hour on Could 1, 2021. The $11 charge is ready to final till Jan. 1, 2023, when the speed will enhance once more to $12 per hour. Virginia minimal wage will enhance till it reaches $15 in 2026.
ABC ending sale of most low-alcohol drinks: SB 1428
Individuals used to purchasing all of their alcoholic drinks on the ABC retailer might should make some modifications. In 2022 there’ll not be low alcohol spirits-based drinks out there at liquor shops, aside from these manufactured in Virginia. Low alcohol applies to something equal to or lower than 7.5% alcohol by quantity.
Municipal elections transferring from Could to November: SB 1157
The legislation transferring all municipal elections for council members and college board members from Could to November formally went into impact on July 1, 2021, but it surely solely applies to elections held after Jan. 1, 2022. This implies localities that beforehand elected their native officers in Could will now solid these votes throughout November as an alternative.