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Employment Law Update: July 1, 2024 is Quickly Approaching and Virginia’s New Laws are Getting Ready to Go into Effect

Every July 1, after the Virginia Legislature has carefully debated thousands of bills, those bills that survive the scrutiny of both chambers and the Governor go into effect. As this process plays out, employers need to be vigilant of any changes that may impact their business. This year, given the divide between the legislature and the Governor, the changes to the labor and employment landscape are minimal.

Despite bills seeking to raise the minimum wage, provide paid family leave, and other employee friendly measures, few changes emerged from the 2024 legislative session. The new laws that did pass include a change to Virginia’s Human Rights Act, and increased penalties for child labor violations.

With respect to Virginia’s Human Rights Act, the Act received a major update in 2020. In 2024, the Act added “ethnic origin” to the list of protected classes, adding to its current protections from unlawful discrimination on the basis of national origin, race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, and other protected classes. The addition of “ethnic origin” refers to the cultural or ethnic origins of a person’s ancestors.

Virginia, like other states, regulates the employment of minors. On July 1, 2024, the monetary penalties for employers violating Virginia’s child labor laws will increase from $1,000 to $2,500, and not be less than $500 for those who employ, procure, or, having under his/her control, permits a child to be employed in violation of the provision of Va. Code § 40.1-78 et seq., such as, for example, permitting a child under 18 to work in a mine, and from $10,000 to $25,000 for violations of Va. Code § 40.1-78 et seq., resulting in serious injury or death.

Overall, 2024 was a quiet year in Virginia for labor and employment changes. Despite the lack of significant changes, employers should stay up to date on these changes, review their policies, update handbooks and templates, and seek guidance from their Whiteford Employment team on any and all changes in not only Virginia, but wherever they may operate.

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The information contained here is not intended to provide legal advice or opinion and should not be acted upon without consulting an attorney. Counsel should not be selected based on advertising materials, and we recommend that you conduct further investigation when seeking legal representation.