New year, new laws. We didn't just get a new calendar for 2025, the year also brings new local + statewide regulations. Richmonders can expect to see some changes in daily life, especially with these five new rules and ordinances that took effect on New Year's Day.

Minimum wage increase

As of Jan. 1, 2025, Virginia's minimum wage is $12.41 — up 41 cents from last year. The adjustment was based on a 3.4% annual increase in the Consumer Price Index. This may not directly impact your income if you earn above minimum wage, but it could impact the cost of goods + services that rely on minimum-wage workers.

Investment in neurodegenerative disorder care

This year, the state supported the creation of the Virginia Center on Aging and Virginia Memory Project at Virginia Commonwealth University. These efforts aim to collect data on Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and neurodegenerative conditions and hope to improve research and provide services to patients and their relatives.

Utility work database

The Virginia Department of Transportation is required to create + maintain a publicly accessible database of utility work, specifically for approved projects in a highway right-of-way in a residential neighborhood. This database will include start dates and anticipated end date for utility work.

Improved child internet privacy

If you have children, they will need more supervision while surfing the internet. Under the amended Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, organizations cannot collect data from a child under age 13 for certain usages without parental consent. Notably, this will impact targeted advertisements toward children.

Insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening

Based on guidance from the US Preventive Services Task Force, health insurers must cover colorectal cancer testing and labs, including follow up work after a positive test. The bill prohibits coverage from being subject to cost-sharing requirements like deductibles or coinsurance.