RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As the calendar turns to a new year, Virginians will need to brace for a series of legislative changes that could influence both their daily lives and financial situations. A number of these new laws are slated to come into force on January 1, 2026, bringing updates that span from wage adjustments to social media regulations and health-related provisions.

One of the most notable changes involves the minimum wage. Beginning in 2026, the minimum wage in Virginia will rise to $12.77 per hour, marking an increase of 36 cents from the existing rate of $12.41. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to improve earnings for workers across the state.

Additionally, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry clarifies that while tipped employees are to receive a base pay of $2.13 per hour, their total compensation — including tips — must equate to at least the minimum wage. This ensures that tipped workers also benefit from the wage increase.

Minimum wage increase

Alongside wage adjustments, the new year will also introduce regulations aimed at limiting social media use among teenagers and enhancing breast cancer testing protocols, reflecting a comprehensive approach to legislative reform that addresses various facets of life in Virginia.

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.