It’s an all-new year – and in some cases that means laws passed years ago may now be taking effect. Here are just a few of the new laws that impact Virginia…
Minimum wage increased from $9.50/hour to $11/hour. From the Code of Virginia:
C. From January 1, 2022, until January 1, 2023, every employer shall pay to each of its employees wages at a rate not less than the greater of (i) $11.00 per hour or (ii) the federal minimum wage.
Plastic bags in northern Virginia (Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax) are now subject to a five cent tax on each bag. Here is text from Fairfax:
Effective January 1, 2022, disposable plastic bags provided to consumers in grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores in Fairfax County are subject to a five-cent tax. The tax is to be collected at point of sale and applies to bags provided free of charge or if the store charges the customer for the bags.
All local and municipal elections will be moved from the spring to November. According to Terry Kilgore (R):
“We want to make sure Virginia maintains their competitive advantage and we’ve got to make sure were pushing economic development and education,”
Public colleges and universities in VA can no longer ask about criminal history from WTOP:
Public colleges and universities in Virginia can no longer ask questions about criminal history in admissions materials and applications. They also can’t use third-party admissions materials to deny someone admission because of their criminal history. There are exceptions to this law: the Virginia Military Institute and public law schools accredited by the American Bar Association. Universities can still ask about criminal history after an applicant is sent an offer and can rescind offers if they determine someone is a safety risk.
