06/30/2026
Recent changes to Virginia Law coming July 1, 2026:
Virginia
Sealing of certain criminal records:
People with misdemeanor convictions, including the possession or distribution of ma*****na, shoplifting, trespassing and disorderly conduct, as well as traffic infractions and certain other offenses, will have those records sealed automatically. People with lower-level felony convictions can petition the court to seal their records. Violent crimes, s*x offenses, firearm offenses and hate crimes are not eligible to be sealed.
Tenant protections:
Landlords must give tenants 14 days notice before filing for eviction under one measure. Another requires landlords to accept rent payments and security deposits by check or money order and prohibits them from charging excessive fees on payments.
A ban on foam containers:
Food vendors will no longer be able to use polystyrene take-out food and drink containers as the final phase of a law passed in 2021 comes into effect. The first phase of the law initially applied only to restaurants with 20 or more locations. Full implementation was delayed at the request of restaurant owners, who said the measure would raise costs.
Restrictions on immigration enforcement:
Law enforcement officers will be barred from wearing face coverings, with certain exceptions. Federal agents began regularly wearing masks during immigration raids last year, and the Department of Homeland Security has said its agents would not comply with the ban out of concern for safety. A separate bill prohibits state and local law enforcement from entering into 287(g) agreements, an agreement that enables Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deputize local law enforcement agencies to facilitate immigration arrests. The Justice Department has sued to block the legislation.
Speed-monitoring for reckless drivers:
Judges can now order a person convicted of reckless driving, or speeding in excess of 100 mph, to install a speed-limiting device in their car as an alternative to having their driver’s license suspended.
New-hire protections:
A prospective employer can no longer ask an applicant about current or past salaries, or rely on salary history when considering them for a job.
Kratom restrictions:
People under 21 will no longer be able to purchase products containing kratom, a popular supplement that proponents say is a natural pain relief and stimulant but has drawn scrutiny over potential health risks. The law also bars the sale of kratom products that lack ingredient labels, are in areas directly accessible to customers or contain synthetic compounds, among other restrictions.
