Hundreds of new state laws took effect on July 1, 2026, across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D. C.
, introducing changes to labor rights, public safety, and housing regulations.
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Virginia Enacts Paid Leave and Tenant Protections
Virginia's legislative shift follows Democrats securing a governing trifecta with the election of Governor Abigail Spanberger. The state enacted its first paid family and medical leave program.
Workers can now take up to 12 weeks of leave while receiving 80 percent of their average weekly earnings.
Funding contributions will not begin until April 2028.
Tenant protections were expanded by extending the mandatory waiting period for landlords to initiate eviction proceedings from five to 14 days.
Landlords must now accept rent via checks or money orders.
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Public safety measures include a ban on law enforcement officers wearing face masks and a restriction on local police cooperating with civil immigration enforcement.
The U. S.
Justice Department is currently challenging both laws.
Maryland and DC Changes
Maryland decoupled its health department from federal vaccine guidelines and introduced measures that could lower utility bills.
Washington, D. C.
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, raised its local minimum wage as part of the new laws taking effect.
