Richmond, VA – Governor Abigail Spanberger announced today, July 1, 2026, that a series of new laws have taken effect across Virginia, aimed at enhancing affordability, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening public education, and improving public safety. These legislative measures, many passed with bipartisan support, underscore the Governor's focus on delivering tangible results for the Commonwealth's residents.
The new biennium budget, also effective today, includes a record $2 billion in public education funding and introduces a first-of-its-kind energy consumption tax on data centers. It also allocates $1 billion to protect Virginians from federal cuts and provides tax relief by increasing the standard deduction for single and joint filers. Governor Spanberger's 14 amendments to the budget were accepted, ensuring direct RGGI credits for rural electric cooperative customers, cancer screenings for firefighters, and earlier salary increases for home care workers.
"Virginians deserve a government that delivers results — and I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken together to lower costs, make our communities safer, and set up the next generation of Virginians for long-term success," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. She highlighted efforts to increase affordable housing, expand career opportunities, and improve worker protections against wage theft, noting the bipartisan success of her "Affordable Virginia Agenda."
Key new laws include a $20 million investment in mixed-income housing and measures to ease manufactured home construction, boosting housing supply. To address energy concerns, data centers can now invest in new infrastructure while protecting ratepayers, and future projects must meet tier 4 generator standards and assess noise levels. Childcare costs are targeted through business incentives, and consumers gain "click-to-cancel" subscription options.
Economic opportunity is expanded with new programs to train high school students as certified nurse aides and allow apprenticeships in culinary arts and IT. Laws also streamline the process for career and technical education teachers to enter classrooms, protect employees from wage theft, and prohibit employers from seeking wage history.
In education, Virginia joins the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to fill vacancies, and the Commission on School Construction and Modernization becomes permanent with a 10-year capital roadmap. Parents will also receive notifications about student course enrollment deadlines. Public safety is bolstered by closing the "Boyfriend Loophole" to prevent convicted domestic abusers from possessing firearms, strengthening cyberstalking laws, and requiring safe firearm storage.