Today is the day that hundreds of new laws go into effect in the Commonwealth of Virginia. July 1 is the effective date that the state constitution sets out for most laws.
While the legislative debates on tax reform and budget matters received headlines this year, those changes will not go into effect until September 1.
But, starting today, a wide range of laws mandate changes from good to bad to ugly, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.
For example, you will be committing a larcenous act if you take oysters from leased underwater areas without an owner’s permission.
If you want your child to attend a nudist camp for juveniles in the state, then you will now have to also be present at the camp.
The Commissioner of Agriculture will have to establish a beekeeper assistance program and landowners can kill beavers that damage their crops.
Of more concern to most Virginians is that the electricity rate cap will be extended for three more years and high occupancy toll (or HOT) lanes can be designated.
If you are over 80 years old, then you will need to have a vision examination whenever you get your driver’s license renewed.
The biggest changes this year involve our drunk driving laws. They are now stricter, stronger, and, hopefully, more effective in curbing this deadly problem.
Mandatory penalties for repeat drunk drivers have been increased. For a second conviction within 10 years, you will get 10 days in jail.
A second conviction within five years nets 20 days in jail. Jail time for a third conviction will get you 90 days if within 10 years and 180 days if within five years.
It will be more difficult to obtain bail for drunk drivers now and all DUI convictions will now be reported to the Criminal Central Records Exchange.
Refusing to take a blood or breath test is now a criminal offense. If done twice within 10 years, you lose your driver’s license for three years.
Additional penalties, including mandatory jail time, will go to those convicted of driving under the influence with elevated blood alcohol levels.
A level of 0.08 percent alcohol constitutes drunk driving. But, being convicted of having levels of 0.15 to 0.20 now means jail time.
Those who get convicted of a third drunk driving offense risk having their vehicle seized and taken from them by court order.
Law enforcement officers at the local and state level in Virginia are now authorized to enforce national immigration laws.
This includes arresting without warrants and detaining those confirmed illegal aliens previously convicted of felonies.
A new state RICO, or racketeer influenced and corrupt organization, statute takes effect. Those convicted of racketeering in Virginia can get up to 40 years in prison.
Complete information about these and all other new laws taking effect today can be found on the Internet at legis.stat.va.us.