A significant array of new legislation is set to take effect in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. on January 1, 2026, encompassing a diverse range of topics including health, social media, and wages. These laws, designed to protect citizens and improve quality of life, reflect ongoing efforts to address contemporary social issues.
In Virginia, a key highlight is the enforcement of a limit on social media usage for children under the age of 16, as established by the Consumer Data Protection Act. This law restricts minors to a maximum of one hour of social media per day, with some exceptions for services primarily used for email, messaging, streaming, or news. Parents are given the flexibility to adjust these limits as needed, while social media platforms are required to verify the ages of young users and must not misuse this data.
The Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act is another major development, allowing individuals to respond with “UNSUBSCRIBE” or “STOP” to unsolicited texts, thereby preventing further contact from those solicitors for a decade. Additionally, new regulations will mandate that baby food sold in Virginia must be tested for harmful heavy metals such as arsenic and lead, improving safety standards for vulnerable consumers.
In terms of healthcare, Virginia is enhancing insurance coverage for breast and prostate cancer screenings, as well as raising the minimum wage to $12.77 per hour, part of a gradual increase towards a $15 an hour goal by 2028. Unemployment benefits will also see a boost, rising by $52 for those receiving aid.
In Maryland, significant reforms include changes to property tax regulations, aimed at safeguarding homeowners from unexpected liabilities and improving the transfer process for heirs. To address medical billing issues, legislation has been passed to ensure healthcare coverage for anesthesia during procedures. Additionally, cosmetologists will now be required to undergo training related to domestic violence awareness, equipping them to assist clients who may be facing abuse.
Washington, D.C. is introducing automatic expungement rules as part of the Second Chance Amendment Act, allowing certain records to be sealed automatically after 90 days, particularly for cases related to legalized charges. In the realm of healthcare, a tightening of income requirements for Medicaid eligibility will affect some low-income residents, who may be transitioned to a Basic Health Plan with limited services.
With these new laws set to take effect, the hope is that they will provide enhanced protection for children online, improved healthcare access, and a support system for vulnerable individuals in the community. These legislative changes aim to create a healthier and more equitable environment for all residents in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., embodying progressive values that look ahead to better futures.