New laws go into effect in Virginia, Maryland and DC on July 1

Key Points:

• Virginia has implemented several new laws affecting law enforcement, including a temporarily paused ban on officers wearing masks on duty, guidelines for local cooperation with ICE, and an injunction delaying enforcement of a ban on certain assault weapons sales.
• Virginia will become the first state to allow judges to require drivers caught speeding over 100 mph to install devices that physically prevent speeding, as an alternative to jail or license suspension.
• Maryland schools must enforce comprehensive cellphone bans during the school day by the 2027–2028 school year, and higher education institutions with campus housing are required to provide free menstrual hygiene products by 2028.
• Maryland has also enacted laws preventing racehorse owners from knowingly selling horses for commercial slaughter and allowing Baltimore County businesses to continue offering sealed cocktails to go with food purchases.
• In Washington D.C., the minimum wage will increase to $18.40 per hour on July 1, with a corresponding rise in the tipped worker base wage to $10.30 per hour, ensuring employers cover any shortfall from tips.