Virginia Employers Could See Big Changes in 2026: 7 Workplace Law Bills That Could Be Revived Under the New Administration
Outgoing Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed some 400 bills passed by the Virginia legislature over the past four years, far more than any of his predecessors. Several of the vetoed bills would have directly impacted employers operating in the commonwealth, including bills aimed at raising the minimum wage and increasing protections for warehouse workers. With incoming Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger at the helm and a Democratic-held legislature, several bills that Gov. Youngkin previously vetoed are now back in play and could become law in the coming years. Here are a few laws that Virginia employers should keep an eye on in 2026 and beyond. House Bill 1928 – Minimum Wage Increase to $15 per hour by 2027 This bill would have gradually raised Virginia’s hourly minimum wage from roughly $12.41 to $13.50 in 2026 and $15.00 in 2027. Gov. Youngkin vetoed it in 2024 and 2025, on the grounds that such a mandate would burden businesses . Raising the minimum wage remains a pop...