I hope this newsletter finds you and your families well. As your State Senator, it is my privilege to keep you informed about important changes to Virginia law that will impact our communities, as well as the ongoing efforts to support our district’s needs, particularly in the wake of recent challenges. 

 

It was a very busy session. as Chief co-patron of SB 875 I am proud to say that we were successful in getting it passed. SB 875 will dramatically improve the cost efficiency and effectiveness of the way Medicaid recipients receive services and supports local our pharmacies.  Our farmers will benefit from my bill SB921 which establishes a grant program to increase the shortage of large animal veterinarians in the Commonwealth.  I also was Chief Patron for SB1270 which convenes a VHDA technical group for the protection of property owners across Virginia.  I also continue to fight the rising costs of energy for all Virginians. For the 2025 Session our office was successful in getting over 20 bills passed.

 

As of July 1, 2025, several new laws passed during the 2025 General Assembly session will take effect. I can share that many of the laws signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin this year focus on improving public safety, education, maternal health, and economic opportunities across the Commonwealth. Below is a list of notable legislative changes:

●     SB894 – Employer Liability for Sexual Assault or Injury by Employee/Agent (Sexual Assault Employer Accountability Act): This landmark legislation allows victims to bring civil cases against employers when sexual assault or other wrongful acts were committed by an employee or agent of the employer.

●     SB1416 – Careless Driving; Injury or Death of Vulnerable Road Users: Strengthens protections for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users. It removes vague language and explicitly requires drivers to stop for pedestrians lawfully in a crosswalk. Penalties are increased if failure to stop results in injury or death.

●     HB1549 – Vehicle Operation by Unlicensed Minors; Penalties: Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone who knowingly allows an unlicensed minor to drive a motor vehicle. Penalties are increased (potentially to a Class 1 misdemeanor with higher fines and jail time) if the minor is involved in an accident causing injury or death.

●     SB1175 – The Christopher King Backseat Law (Seatbelts for All): Mandates seatbelt use for all vehicle occupants, both in the front and rear seats.

●     HB2491 - Threats to the Public – Expanded Felony Statute: Expands the criminal statute for bomb or arson threats to include threats of discharging a firearm in any place of assembly, building or other structure, or means of transportation.

●     SB939 - Mail Theft (Felony): New state-level penalties will go into effect for mail theft, making it easier for state prosecutors to pursue cases against individuals who knowingly and illegally take or destroy mail. Previously, this was primarily a federal offense.

●     SB1218 - Non-Compete Ban for Non-Exempt Employees (Expanded): This is a significant change. Previously, Virginia banned non-competes only for "low-wage workers." Effective July 1, 2025, the ban expands to all non-exempt employees under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), regardless of their earnings. This means employees eligible for overtime pay cannot be bound by non-compete agreements. The law also increases civil penalties to $10,000 per violation and allows claimants to recover attorney's fees and costs.

●     SB1212 – Virginia Consumer Protection Act; Mandatory Fees or Surcharges Disclosure: Prohibits suppliers from advertising or displaying a price for goods or services without clearly and conspicuously disclosing any mandatory fees or surcharges. This aims to prevent hidden fees.

●     SB550 - Liquid Nicotine and Nicotine Vapor Product; Certification; Penalty (§ 59.1-293.16): Manufacturers of liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products sold in the Commonwealth must certify their products with the Attorney General's office by December 31, 2025, and annually thereafter. This includes submitting FDA marketing authorizations or applications and paying fees ($2,000 per product for first certification, $500 annually for recertification).

●     HB1844 - Baby Food Protection Act; Testing and Labeling Requirements for Toxic Heavy Metals: Prohibits the sale, distribution, or offering for sale of baby food products that contain certain toxic heavy metals exceeding limits established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

●     SB1376 - Virginia Consumer Protection Act; Food Labeling: Prohibits the sale of any food required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to have a nutrition label when such food is not labeled in accordance with federal law.

●     HB1642 – Human Oversight for AI in Judicial Processes: This is a groundbreaking state law that mandates human oversight of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial processes in Virginia.

●     HB536 - Public Schools Anti-Cyberbullying Policies: Public schools must adopt anti-cyberbullying policies that include guidance on handling incidents outside of school, do not deter victims from reporting, and include a list of resources for victims.

 

If you have questions about a particular law or its impact, my office is here to assist you in navigating these changes.

In response to the Hurricane Helene and the devastating floods that have affected Southwest Virginia, including historic flooding in areas like Grundy and Hurley, and Richlands, I have been working closely with Delegate Will Morefield and our regional team to bring members of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s cabinet to our district. Over the next several weeks, work will continue to educate our communities about funding opportunities available to flood victims and to streamline the process for accessing relief. These efforts build on the Governor’s recent request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration to support recovery from winter storms that caused significant infrastructure damage and power outages across our region.

 

We are committed to ensuring that affected families, businesses, and communities receives the support needed to rebuild and recover. Stay tuned for announcements about these upcoming meetings.

 

Over the past few months, I have been on the road visiting localities throughout Senate District 5, attending meetings, and listening to your concerns. My top priority is ensuring that your voices are heard in Richmond and that your needs are addressed. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you and will continue to advocate for policies that make our communities stronger, safer, and more prosperous.

 

I look forward to seeing you at an event in your area in the near future. My team and I are working to keep you informed and engaged. Please contact my office if you have issues with state agencies. 

 

As always, I am here to serve you. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas about how we can improve our district, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (276)345-9112 or via email at [email protected]. 

 

Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for Virginia. God bless America and our great Commonwealth!

Blessings,

Senator Travis Hackworth
Virginia State Senator, District 5