New Virginia Employment Laws: What Employers Need to Know

New Virginia Employment Laws: What Employers Need to Know

Virginia employers are facing one of the most significant shifts in employment law in recent years.

The 2026 General Assembly session produced a sweeping package of new employment-related legislation. With many provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026, businesses across the Commonwealth must prepare for changes affecting hiring practices, workplace policies, compliance obligations, and litigation risk.

To help Virginia employers understand and prepare for these changes, the Virginia Chamber Legal Institute will host a virtual briefing on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM.

The webinar will be led by Charlie Meyer, Partner at O'Hagan Meyer and Co-Chair of the Virginia Chamber Legal Institute, who will provide an overview of key employment law developments from the 2026 General Assembly session and discuss their implications for Virginia employers.

What You'll Learn

Charlie will walk through the new employment laws enacted by the General Assembly, explain what they require of employers, and outline practical steps Virginia businesses should take to achieve compliance and reduce risk. Topics include:

To help employers understand these new requirements and prepare for compliance, the Virginia Chamber Legal Institute will host a virtual briefing:

• Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
• Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
• Format: Virtual

These changes will impact employers of all sizes. This webinar is designed to provide practical guidance on what businesses need to know and the steps they should take to reduce risk and ensure compliance.

Topics Include:

• Pay Transparency (HB 636/SB 215) — effective July 1, 2026
• Noncompete Restrictions (SB 170) — effective July 1, 2026
• Heat Illness Prevention (HB 1092/SB 288)
• Appeal Bond Caps (HB 1111)
• Class Actions (HB 449/SB 229)
• Expanded Wage Liability (HB 238)
• Paid Sick Leave (HB 5/SB 199) — phasing in beginning 2027
• Paid Family & Medical Leave (HB 1207/SB 2) — benefits beginning 2028

Effective dates vary by law and, in some cases, by employer size. Please confirm specific dates and applicability with the Virginia Chamber Legal Institute and your legal counsel.

We appreciate your partnership and your continued commitment to supporting the Commonwealth’s business community as employers navigate this important transition.