Blog: Opinions & Observations
New Laws in Virginia 2026 and Legislative Highlights
June 30, 2026
You need to know! These are some of the laws that go into effect on July 1, 2026. On rare occasions, a law goes into effect immediately upon being enacted (as is the case with some of the new gun safety laws) or has a delayed start date (such as the new retail sales of cannabis law), but most begin on July 1st each year.With one party having control of the legislative and executive governing bodies, we could have expected radical reform. What we got was...
Read MoreVirginia Paid Family and Medical Leave Law: What Employers Need to Know
May 15, 2026
On May 11, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Virginia’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Law that will affect employers across the Commonwealth. The law creates a state-administered insurance program that will provide eligible employees with partial wage replacement when they need leave for qualifying family, medical, parental, military, or safety-related reasons.For employers, the new law is not simply a PTO issue or a payroll issue. It will...
Read MoreVirginia Employers Face New Limits on Noncompetes Beginning July 1, 2026
April 16, 2026
Virginia employers that use noncompete agreements should take a fresh look at them before July 1, 2026.Under SB 170, signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger on April 13, 2026, a noncompete agreement entered into, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026, may be unenforceable against an employee discharged without cause unless the employer provides severance benefits or other monetary payment and discloses that benefit when the employee signs the...
Read More2026 Midsession Virginia Legislative Update
February 18, 2026
Today, February 18th, is Crossover Day! This is the day when the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate exchange bills that have been passed by their chamber and will be considered by the other. Any proposed bill that hasn’t been approved and passed on to the opposite chamber is dead for this session. A bill doesn't become law until both chambers approve it and the governor signs it. Key Bills and Proposed Changes to WatchFamily & Medical Leave –...
Read MoreThe EEOC Rescinded Its Harassment Guidance—So How Does This Affect Employers?
February 13, 2026
In January 2026, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to rescind its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace. For many employers, the headline raised an obvious question: Does this change what we’re supposed to do about harassment complaints?The short answer is no.What changed is the EEOC’s internal enforcement playbook. What did not change are the laws that govern workplace harassment – and the litigation risks...
Read MoreProject Labor Agreements on Public Projects: What Virginia Contractors Need to Know Before Bidding
February 02, 2026
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) are showing up more often in public construction procurement across the country — and increasingly here in Virginia. Many contractors, especially those not steeped in union labor relations, may be unsure what PLAs are, where they are required, and how they can affect competitive bidding and project performance. This primer breaks down current trends, what PLAs actually are, and practical steps contractors should take before...
Read MoreNew Tort Law in Virginia Redressing the Nonconsensual Creation and Dissemination of Private Images
November 04, 2025
More than ever, courts are grappling with the digital age and its unique ability to abet sexual harassment. Many State legislators have begun providing protections strengthening human principles such as consent, bodily autonomy, and privacy in and evolving area, colloquially referred to as “revenge porn”. In 2017, the Virginia legislature adopted Virginia Code § 8.01-40.4, providing a civil remedy for those injured by the conduct criminalized under...
Read MoreWhen One Policy Doesn’t Fit All: Managing Multistate Employment Law Patchwork
September 30, 2025
It used to be that a Virginia employer with a Virginia workforce could manage its people using a single set of policies. Those days are gone. Today, a Hampton Roads employer can post a remote job on Monday and, by Tuesday, find itself subject to pay transparency laws in Colorado, privacy rules in California, and noncompete limitations in Minnesota – all without opening an office there or sending a manager out of state.The reason is simple: jurisdictional...
Read MoreSummer Employment Issues: 10 Legal Traps (and How to Avoid Them)
May 20, 2025
As the weather warms up, employers face unique legal challenges tied to the summer season. Whether it’s hiring interns, teenage workers, or hosting company outings, summer introduces a range of compliance issues that can create legal exposure if mishandled.This guide highlights 10 key summer employment issues with practical tips for staying compliant, particularly under Virginia and federal law.1. Summer Internships: Wage and Hour ComplianceSummer is...
Read MoreVirginia's AI Bill Veto: What Does This Mean for Virginia Businesses?
April 22, 2025
In a decision that has sparked widespread discussion, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently vetoed HB 2094, a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) and addressing concerns about algorithmic discrimination. For business leaders in Virginia—and across the country—this decision raises important questions about the future of AI regulation and its implications for businesses operating in an increasingly tech-driven world.So, what exactly...
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