A slew of new laws went into effect this month–among them, many that could impact your livelihood and your wallet.

A slew of new Virginia laws went into effect on July 1, 2023. Here are a few of the lower-profile ones that may impact you financially.

Sales Tax Exemption for Diagnostic Work and Emergency Roadside Service

This law establishes an exemption from Virginia’s Retail Sales and Use Tax for all labor rendered in connection with diagnostic work for automotive repair and emergency roadside service for motor vehicles, regardless of whether a related sale of a repair or part replacement is made.

Installment Agreements for Payment of Individual Income Taxes

This law requires Virginia to offer installment payment plans over a term of up to five years to individual income taxpayers.

Universal Occupational Licensing

This new law will make the process and requirements for obtaining an occupational license in Virginia less onerous for those who have met licensing standards in another state. 

Sexual Harassment and Non-Disclosure Agreements

Now employers cannot require employees to sign NDAs with the purpose of concealing a sexual harassment claim. The new law also voids any NDA that attempts to do so.

Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit

This new gun safety law establishes an individual income tax credit of up to $300 per person per year for the purchase of one or more firearm safety devices, including gun safes and locks. 

Minimum Wage for Employees With Disabilities

All employees with disabilities hired after July 1, 2023, must now be paid the state minimum wage. Employees with disabilities hired before that date and who were subject to a related minimum wage exemption will see a phased increase in wages over the next seven years.

Personal Property Tax Exemptions: Farm Machinery and Farm Implements

The legislature expanded the list of eligible farm machinery and farm implements that a locality

may exempt from personal property taxes. The list now includes:  

Motor vehicles used primarily for agricultural purposes even when the owner isn’t required to obtain a related registration certificate, license plate, and decal;

Privately owned trailers primarily used by farmers in their farming operations for the transportation of farm animals or other farm products; and 

Season-extending vegetable hoop houses used for in-field production of produce.