List: New Virginia laws in effect July 1

VIRGINIA, ( DC News Now ) — Several laws that the General Assembly passed during the 2024 legislative session will take effect on July 1, affecting Virginia residents.

Here is a look at six bills signed into law that went into effect on Monday.

Local Authority for Speed Limits

This new law (passed as HB 1071 ) states that in residential or business districts, Fairfax County and other counties that do not maintain their own roads can reduce speed limits to less than 25 mph but no less than 15 mph. The law also allows localities to restore a previously reduced speed limit.

Deadlines to Certify Election Results

HB 998 extends the deadline for local Offices of Elections to submit a locality’s election results from seven to 10 days. This extension is to ensure local offices have the time needed to count and certify all ballots and submit them to the State Board of Elections.

Access to Polling Places

Three pieces of legislation are going into effect to increase access to polling sites.

HB 441/SB 605 clarifies that individuals with a disability (not just a physical disability) can vote curbside. The law also requires training for poll workers on disability access.

Another law, HB 940 , requires local registrars to post a notice of a change in a polling place at the previous location, along with information about how to find the new location.

The last piece of legislation (HB 1003 ) requires that notice of a change in precinct, polling place, or election district be mailed to all registered voters at least 30 days before the next election. Current law requires mailing at least 15 days prior.

Transportation Safety

Regarding transportation, this new law ( HB 282 ) creates a traffic infraction for any moving vehicle in a highway work zone. A fine of up to $300 for the first offense would be assessed, increasing to $500 for a second offense. If a subsequent offense occurs within 12 months, the fine would be a minimum of $750, according to the bill.

Firearms

HB 22/SB210 bans the manufacture, importation, sale, possession, and transportation of “auto sears,” which are devices that can convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon.

Additional legislation (SB 363) prohibits the removal or alteration of serial numbers on all firearms, except antiques.

Opioids

SB 498 directs the Virginia Board of Education to establish guidelines regarding school-connected overdoses and parental notification, according to the bill.

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