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Transparency in Policing

There is a new policy regarding facial coverings for law enforcement officers. Officers are now prohibited from wearing masks while on duty, with specific exceptions made for health reasons, protection against toxins, or for members of specialized SWAT teams. This move addresses concerns regarding accountability and the concealment of identities during police operations.

Protecting Vulnerable Workers and Renters

Virginia is strengthening its stance on worker and tenant rights. Immigrant workers will now have enhanced protections when reporting wage theft. Employers are strictly prohibited from threatening employees based on their immigration status as a tactic to prevent them from filing complaints.

Additionally, the "Clean Slate Law" is set to automatically seal the criminal records of thousands of Virginians. Individuals convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses, such as shoplifting, trespassing, or the distribution of marijuana, will see their records sealed automatically. Those with lower-level felony convictions may also petition to have their records sealed if they have remained crime-free for at least ten years.

Finally, renters in the state are receiving new protections. Landlords must now accept payment via checks and money orders for rent and security deposits. If a landlord chooses to charge a processing fee, it cannot exceed the actual cost charged by the payment processor.

Healthcare Access

Access to reproductive healthcare is now codified under state law. A new mandate requires insurance companies to provide coverage for birth control medications and devices, ensuring that residents have consistent access to reproductive healthcare services.

Maryland: Schools and Community Standards

Maryland is focusing heavily on student life and public administration with its new batch of laws.

Phone Bans in Schools

While many districts have already implemented restrictive policies, Maryland is moving toward a uniform standard. By the 2027 to 2028 school year, all schools must enforce a bell to bell ban on cellphone use. This means students are expected to keep their devices tucked away and refrain from social media use throughout the entire school day, including lunch and time between classes. This ban extends to smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and headphones. There are exceptions for students who use devices for health monitoring or language translation, as well as for school-issued technology used for approved educational purposes.