The new law, which prohibits balloon launches, will come into effect on July 1, 2021, and will result in a possible $25 fine. Previously, Virginia`s minimum wage was the federal amount of $7.25. Effective May 1, 2021, the minimum wage increased to $9.50. Further increases will increase the minimum wage to $11.00 on January 1, 2022 and $12.00 on January 1, 2023. Further increases to $13.50 on January 1, 2025 and $15.00 on January 1, 2026 are subject to adoption by the General Meeting by July 1, 2024. Driver privilege cards are available to non-U.S. citizens. Citizens if they are residents of Virginia and have reported income in the past 12 months or are listed as dependent on a tax return. Effective January 1, 2021HB 1965, the state Air Pollution Control Board orders the implementation of a low- or zero-emission vehicle program for vehicles starting in 2025 and beyond. This bill aims to increase sales of electric cars in AV by allowing automakers to establish a zero-emission (electric) vehicle credit specific to AV. These credits can be traded, sold or used to reach up to 18% of the manufacturer`s zero-emission emission credits for each model year. A driver privilege card is a driving ticket for non-U.S. citizens who do not meet Virginia`s legal presence requirements, which does not make them eligible to obtain a standard or REAL ID-compliant driver`s license in Virginia.

With Democrats having a slim majority in the Virginia Senate and Republicans regaining control of the House of Representatives in 2021, lawmakers from both parties have used their power in those chambers to oppose several bills introduced by the other party. A new Virginia state law, which went into effect on January 1, 2021, requires anyone applying for a secret carry permit to complete a personal firearms training course. This is a change from the previous legislation, which allowed the training requirement to be met through a virtual course. Effective July 1, 2021, Virginia will become the first Southern state to legalize marijuana possession and use. The terms « cannabis » and « marijuana » are used interchangeably. Some important things you should know about legalization are listed below. SB 1406, HB 2312 The Virginia General Assembly provides access to the Virginia Code on the Internet as a service to the public. We are unable to assist users of this service with legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice or law enforcement to certain questions. Therefore, in order to understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult a lawyer. On March 24, 2021, Virginia became the first Southern state to abolish the death penalty. Since 1976, when the U.S.

Supreme Court upheld the death penalty (Gregg. v. Georgia), the Commonwealth has executed 113 people, second only to Texas. Proponents of abolishing the death penalty argue that it has been used unfairly against the poor, the mentally handicapped, and people of color. Virginia is the 23rd state to abolish the death penalty. Below is a detailed list of the January 2021 update to Virginia`s new laws. The following new laws are of particular interest: Pre-trial Reform – Data Collection, HB 2110/SB 1391 [C. Herring/L. Lucas]: Until now, Virginia did not have a unified data collection system for pre-trial decisions and outcomes. The implementation of this system means that all criminal justice organizations in the state are now required to collect and share data on pre-trial proceedings, such as the length of pre-trial detention, demographics and what happens when certain bail conditions are set. This data will allow us to make more informed decisions on how to minimize unnecessary and costly remand, while promoting community safety and the meaningful and timely resolution of criminal cases.

It will study demography to shed light on issues of race, ethnicity, gender and age, and can promote practices that move the Commonwealth towards a more equitable criminal justice system. Starting at 1. In March 2021, police will not be able to stop a vehicle (or pedestrian) in certain circumstances that previously allowed them to stop. These offences include: smell of alcohol, smell of marijuana, broken taillight, expired inspection, cracked windshield, tinted windows, defective equipment and air freshener hanging from a rear-view mirror. These items can still result in a subpoena, but only as a secondary offence and not as a reason to stop a vehicle. An expired inspection or registration must be at least 4 months late for a primary shutdown. Evidence obtained after improper review would be inadmissible in court. HB 5058 SB 5029 Effective January 1, 2021, under a new state law, anyone applying for a concealed carrying permit must complete firearms training or an in-person safety course.

Virtual courses will no longer meet the country`s training needs as previously allowed. Click here to view the full text of the bill. As of January 1, 2021, you may be eligible for a driver card if you meet the following conditions: Marijuana Legalization, HB 2312 / SB 1406 [C. Herring/A.