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Several Virginia laws took effect Jan. 1, bringing changes to emergency-room drug testing, cancer screening costs, medical debt collection, unemployment benefits and the treatment of foster children and research primates.
The measures are among more than 650 bills passed by the Virginia General Assembly and signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2025. Although most Virginia laws take effect in July, these provisions arrived at the beginning of 2026.
Fentanyl added to routine hospital screenings
Hospitals with emergency departments must now test for fentanyl during routine urine drug screenings.
Malcolm’s Law, or HB 2742, is named for a 17-year-old Fairfax resident whose fatal synthetic-opioid overdose was not detected by standard hospital testing. The Drug Enforcement Administration says an amount of fentanyl small enough to fit on a pencil tip can potentially be deadly.
Legislative testimony indicated that adding a fentanyl reagent costs less than $1 per patient. Del. Irene Shin, D-Herndon, introduced the bill, which passed 99-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate. Youngkin signed it March 21, 2025.
Follow-up breast exams lose a major expense
Patients with state-regulated insurance plans can no longer be charged copays for diagnostic breast examinations and follow-up MRIs.
The Breast Cancer Screening Act, HB 1828, addresses costs that can arise after a standard mammogram produces a suspicious finding. The legislation succeeded after failing during the previous two years amid concerns about insurance mandates.
Introduced by Del. Shelly Simonds, D-Newport News, the bill passed both chambers unanimously, 99-0 and 40-0. Youngkin signed it March 24, 2025.
High-risk patients gain prostate screening coverage
Insurers must cover prostate cancer screenings without cost-sharing for people at high risk under HB 2097.
The law gives PSA tests preventive coverage similar to protections established for mammograms and other cancer screenings. Earlier versions had stalled over concerns from the insurance industry about premium costs.
Del. Bobby Orrock, R-Caroline, was the lead patron. The measure passed 97-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate before Youngkin signed it March 21, 2025.
Medical debt interest capped at 3%
Virginia’s Medical Debt Protection Act limits annual interest on medical debt to 3% and bars hospitals from using aggressive collection practices such as foreclosure.
HB 1725 emerged after several years of debate and an eventual compromise intended to protect patients from severe financial consequences tied to health care bills.
Del. Karrie Delaney, D-Fairfax, introduced the measure. It passed the House 53-44 and the Senate 27-13, and Youngkin signed it May 2, 2025.
Research primates offered sanctuary retirement
State-funded research facilities must now offer retired primates to certified sanctuaries instead of treating euthanasia as the standard outcome.
Under SB 907, facilities must prioritize retirement in consultation with their attending veterinarians, giving monkeys and other primates a chance to live out their lives after their research service ends.
Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, introduced the bill. It passed 39-0 in the Senate and 75-21 in the House before being signed March 24, 2025.
Court costs become easier to understand
People convicted of crimes or traffic infractions can request an itemized receipt showing every fine, fee and court cost assessed against them.
HB 1665 requires court clerks to provide the breakdown when costs are assessed or upon request, replacing bills that may not clearly explain the total owed.
Del. Michael Jones, D-Richmond, was the lead patron. The bill passed unanimously, 99-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate, and was signed March 24, 2025.
Maximum unemployment benefit rises by $52
Virginia’s maximum weekly unemployment benefit increased by $52 for new claims filed on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
The increase originated in HB 1766, introduced by Del. Marty Martinez, D-Loudoun, and was incorporated into the 2025 budget compromise. The change was designed to help unemployment payments keep up with Virginia’s rising cost of living.
Task force targets disappearing wetlands
Virginia has created a Wetlands Policy Task Force to confront the loss of wetlands and develop plans for restoration on a larger scale.
Wetlands filter pollution before it reaches waterways such as the Chesapeake Bay and can help protect Fairfax County neighborhoods from flash flooding. HB 2034 calls for scientists, nonprofit organizations and state and federal agencies to coordinate restoration efforts, expand wetland acreage and respond to rising sea levels.
Simonds introduced the legislation, which passed with bipartisan votes of 84-14 in the House and 38-2 in the Senate. Youngkin signed it March 21, 2025.
Free identity documents reach homeless Virginians
Youth and adults experiencing homelessness can obtain birth certificates and government-issued identification cards without paying state fees under the Homeless Identity Act.
HB 1617 formally took effect in mid-2025, but its fully funded administrative rollout at Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Health offices, including Fairfax County locations, began in earnest Jan. 1, 2026.
Applicants must certify their homelessness through a shelter or social-service agency. Del. Adele McClure, D-Arlington, introduced the bill, which passed 82-14 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate. It was signed March 21, 2025.
Foster children receive luggage for difficult moves
Local social-services departments must keep new suitcases or duffel bags available so children in foster care do not have to transport their belongings in trash bags.
HB 1631 directs the Department of Social Services to ensure luggage is available for every child in the system, addressing a practice that can compound the distress and loss of dignity associated with an already difficult move.
Del. Candi Mundon King, D-Prince William, was the lead patron. The bill passed unanimously, 99-0 and 40-0, before Youngkin signed it March 21, 2025.