View in Browser <[link removed]> <[link removed]> New Laws Effective July 1 July 1 is the date which most new laws go into effect in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Below is a selection of new laws passed by the General Assembly during the 2025 session and signed by the governor. HB 2621. Phase I Utilities; securitized asset costs. The law allows Appalachian Power to secureitize fuel costs to help pay off past costs without passing on major rate hikes to consumers. To protect customers, the law blocks rate increases and adjustments during the winter months (Nov–Feb) and waives late fees and reconnection fees for residents from July 1 to the end of 2025 (and into early 2026 for reconnections). Any future rate case must also include a public comment period so customers can weigh in directly. HB 1868. Real property tax exemption; surviving spouses of members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty; clarification for deaths resulting from suicide. The law clarifies that the real property tax exemption currently available to the surviving spouse of any member of the armed forces of the United States who died in the line of duty with a Line of Duty determination from the U.S. Department of Defense includes the death of any such member that was the result of suicide. SB 1371. Gift certificates; fees. The law prohibits the imposition of a dormancy fee, an inactivity charge or fee, or a service fee with respect to a gift certificate, unless certain requirements of the law are met. HB 2515/SB 1212. Virginia Consumer Protection Act; prohibited practices; mandatory fees or surcharges disclosure. The law prohibits a supplier, in connection with a consumer transaction, from advertising or displaying a price for goods or services without clearly and conspicuously displaying the total price, which shall include all mandatory fees or surcharges, as defined in the law. HB 2657/SB 746. Involuntary manslaughter; certain drug offenses. The law provides that any person who knowingly, intentionally, and feloniously manufactures, sells, or distributes a controlled substance knowing that such controlled substance contains a detectable amount of fentanyl, including its derivatives, isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, and unintentionally causes the death of another person is guilty of involuntary manslaughter if certain conditions are met. HB 1961/SB 738. Public elementary and secondary schools; student cell phone possession and use policies; development and implementation. The law directs each school board to develop and each public elementary and secondary school to implement policies relating to the possession and use of cell phones and smart devices by students on school property from bell to bell, as defined in the law. To view all the highlights in In Due Course: 2025 Changes to Virginia's Laws, an annual publication by the Division of Legislative Services, click here <[link removed]> . <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Paid for and authorized by Friends of Dr. Todd Pillion 851 French Moore Jr. Blvd., Suite 124, Abingdon, VA 24210, USA Powered by Squarespace <[link removed]> Unsubscribe <[link removed]>