It’s that time of year again. Legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin officially goes into effect July 1. Here are some of the new laws to be aware of.
Buckle Up
Starting in July, adults will be required to wear seat belts in the back seat of a car. This law, sponsored by Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra, is an update to the previous rules that only required adults to buckle up in the front seat. (Back-seat seat belts were already required for children.)
Cybersafety
This new law says that public schools must adopt anti-cyberbullying policies. These policies must include guidance on handling incidents that happen outside of school, must not deter victims from reporting cyberbullying, and the school must include a list of resources for victims.
Feeling Lucky?
If you win big in the lottery, your identity is safe. After July 1, Virginia Lottery will be prohibited from disclosing the identity of any winner whose prize tops $1 million. Previously, the disclosure rule was for those who won $10 million or more.
Mail Theft
Mail theft is now a Class 6 felony in Virginia; it was previously considered a federal crime. This law makes it easier for state prosecutors to charge porch pirates who knowingly and illegally take or destroy mail.
Cross Safely
Keep your eyes peeled for crosswalks. A new law bumps up the penalties for drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the road. Failure to stop is a traffic infraction, and if it results in the injury or death of a pedestrian, it’s a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Right to Play
This law, introduced by Del. Laura Jane Cohen, states that people with disabilities have the same rights as anyone else to the free and full use of public playgrounds.
Feature image © LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our June Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
