A look at new Virginia laws taking effect July 1

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - It’s July, and several new laws are taking effect.

After a busy 2024 General Assembly legislative session, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed 777 bills and amended about a hundred others.

A look at some of the new laws is below. Click here for a full list:

Virginia drivers must have car insurance

Starting July 1, if you’re driving on the roads in Virginia uninsured, you will be required to get coverage.

Before, Virginians could register as uninsured drivers by paying an annual $500 fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, starting on July 1, this option will not be available.

The DMV estimates that roughly 6,000 drivers will need to show proof of insurance. If not, their licenses could be suspended.

‘Lucia’s Law’

Named after Lucia Bremer, a 13-year-old girl who was shot and killed in 2021 by another teen who used his father’s gun.

The new law toughens the punishments for parents who don’t secure their guns.

‘Switch’ that turns handgun into machine gun now illegal

An auto sear is an attachment placed on a semi-automatic handgun that allows it to be used to shoot up to hundreds of rounds a minute, like a machine gun.

The newly signed legislation in Virginia makes it illegal to make, sell or own an auto sear.

‘Irvo’s Law’

Named after Irvo Otieno, who died last year in the custody of health and law enforcement officials.

The new law guarantees family members access to their loved ones going through a mental health crisis.

New Virginia ABC laws

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) has announced new legislation that will impact ABC operations, licenses, and the ABC license application process.