Most laws that were passed by the General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session take effect in Virginia on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. A few are highlighted below with links that provide additional details.
Loud Mufflers
This new law addresses the ongoing issues of loud mufflers and their impacts on communities by authorizing noise abatement pilot programs in Planning Districts 8 (Northern Virginia), 9 and 15. (HB 55)
This was a Fairfax County initiative.
Park Facilities
This new law allows park authorities to restrict certain convicted sex offenders at park facilities where there is a playground, athletic field/facility or gymnasium, creating equitable authority between localities that own their own park facilities and park authorities. (HB 250)
This was a Fairfax County initiative.
Transportation Safety
Several new laws go into effect to address transportation safety.
HB 77/SB 81 allows enforcement of federal traffic infractions by state and local law enforcement officers within Planning District 8, and with the assent of the federal government, for speed cameras to be placed on the George Washington Parkway.
HB 320 prohibits anyone from livestreaming while driving a car on the highways. Penalties include driver’s license suspension periods and a maximum $500 fine.
HB 343 permits localities to adopt ordinances to require children 14 years or younger to wear helmets whenever riding or being carried on a motorized skateboard or scooter or nonmotorized scooter.
Housing
Housing was a top priority this year and several new laws were enacted to help address housing affordability and support vulnerable populations.
HB 4 grants every locality the right of first refusal when an affordable housing project is up for sale; the locality can either exercise that right or confer it on a nonprofit or other entity. This gives the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority the right of first refusal for affordable housing projects to which it has contributed.
HB 164/SB 328 removes the existing cap on homeownership grants that localities can offer employees.
HB 352 allows localities with an industrial development authority or economic development authority to establish a performance grant program to incentivize construction of affordable housing.
HB 527/SB 628 establishes the Eviction Reduction Program to expand the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s work on promoting housing stability and supporting eviction prevention and diversion efforts.
HB 594 allows a locality to pass an ordinance to allow for expedited administrative reviews for affordable housing developments.
HB 655/SB 346 requires localities to permit manufactured homes in an expanded range of zones.
HB 854 provides localities with another tool to create more affordable housing by allowing them to adopt local tax incentives to help finance affordable housing projects.
Taxation
This new law allows local governing bodies to provide an extension on personal property taxes to federal workers impacted by a federal government shutdown. (HB 915)
Data Centers
This new law requires data centers to provide local governments with additional information about potential community impacts during the zoning process. (HB 153/SB 94)
Cyberstalking
This new law updates the definition of stalking to capture cyberstalking and online harassment, including through email and social media. (SB 673)
Healthcare
Several new laws address affordability of and access to health care.
HB 6/SB 596 establishes a right to contraception.
HB 736 aims to prevent health care access delays by placing certain limits on prior authorizations.
HB 424/SB 745 prohibits health insurance carriers from barring in-network providers from referring patients to any in-network clinical laboratory or pathology service provider, unless otherwise a violation of certain laws.
HB 425 extends Medicaid coverage for telemedicine for high-risk pregnant patients through 12 months postpartum and directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to assess a similar extension for patients with advanced maternal age.
Landlord and Tenant Agreements
Several new laws make changes to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA).
HB 15/SB 48 increases the mandatory notice period before a landlord may terminate a rental agreement due to nonpayment from five days to 14 days.
HB 174 removes the requirement that military personnel terminating a rental agreement because of military orders provide at least 60 days notice.
HB 1005/SB 313 requires landlords to accept rental payments and any security deposit by check and money order and to provide a receipt. It also prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to pay any fee for maintenance and repairs, unless necessitated by the tenant’s violation of the VRLTA.
Invasive Species
This new law grants additional powers to local service districts to control the spread of invasive plant species. (HB 388/SB 89)
Buyer Beware
This new law requires a “buyer beware” statement for residential property to now include a property’s proximity to any military ground installation that may cause noise or other impacts. (SB 577)
Criminal Record Sealing
Virginia is rolling out a new system that lets many people get certain convictions sealed from public view. Some misdemeanors, like marijuana possession or disorderly conduct, will be sealed automatically. People with lower-level felony convictions (Class 5 or 6) can petition a circuit court to have those records sealed too. Violent crimes, sex offenses, firearm offenses, and a few other categories aren't eligible. (SB 1466, HB 2723, §19.2-392.5 - Bills passed in 2025)
Food Vendor Polystyrene Ban
A law passed in 2021 fully goes into effect on July 1, banning the use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) by food vendors. The ban is also applicable to Virginia schools. (§10.1-1424.3)
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