Virginia

Virginia Health Officials Agree to Allow Talk Conversion Therapy, Sparking Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Rights and Religious Freedoms

by

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia officials have reached an agreement that allows counselors to continue using talk conversion therapy, despite a law enacted in 2020 that was intended to prohibit such practices for minors. The decision stems from a consent decree with the Founding Freedoms Law Center, a faith-based conservative organization that had legal grounds to challenge the law. Last month, the Virginia Department of Health Professions, guided by the state attorney general’s office, signed the consent agreement, which permits counselors to engage in conversation-based therapies without fear of disciplinary action. This move has raised considerable … Read more

Virginia Strengthens Road Safety: New Seat Belt Law Enacted in Honor of Local Hero

by

Williamsburg, Virginia, has implemented new legislation mandating that all vehicle occupants, including passengers in the back seat, must wear seat belts. This law aims to enhance safety on the roads, particularly as the state grapples with a troubling statistic: federal data ranks Virginia last in the nation for seat belt compliance. The new regulation is named after Christopher King, a local teenager who tragically lost his life in a car accident on July 4, 2020, shortly after graduating high school. Following his demise, his family and friends campaigned for this legislative change in his honor, … Read more

Virginia Unveils Series of Tough New Traffic Laws: Stricter Seat Belt Rules and Higher Towing Fees Take Effect

by

Virginia’s updated traffic laws took effect on Monday, bringing significant changes that are expected to affect drivers throughout the state, particularly in the Hampton Roads region. One of the most notable updates is a modification to photo speed enforcement in school zones. Under new legislation, drivers caught speeding by cameras in these areas will no longer face penalties unless the ticket clearly indicates that the school zone was active at the time, which must be evidenced by flashing lights, signs, or other indicators. Additionally, failing to stop for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users has … Read more

New Virginia Laws Take Effect This July: Enhanced Traffic Safety, Education Reforms, and Consumer Protections Await Residents

by

RICHMOND, Va. — On July 1, Virginia will implement multiple new laws aimed at enhancing public safety, education, healthcare, and consumer protections. These changes result from the 2025 General Assembly session, which focused on a wide array of issues that affect everyday life for residents across the commonwealth. One significant update is that mail theft will be classified as a felony, a measure designed to intensify the penalties for tampering with someone else’s mail. Additionally, all passengers in vehicles will now be required to buckle up, with authorities introducing stricter penalties for unsafe driving behaviors, … Read more