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Wave of New Laws Takes Effect in D.C., Maryland and Virginia

July 2, 2025

As of July 1, numerous new laws have taken effect across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, impacting wages, technology regulations, and public safety measures. D.C. has increased its minimum wage from $17. 50 to $17.

Who is affected

  • Workers in D.C. earning minimum wage
  • Maryland technology companies and users of cloud computing, data processing, and cryptocurrency mining services
  • Cannabis consumers in Maryland
  • Residential tenants in Maryland
  • Users of Affordable Care Act insurance plans in Maryland
  • Victims of AI-generated revenge porn in Maryland
  • Vehicle passengers in Virginia
  • Public school students in Virginia
  • Child influencers under age 16 in Virginia
  • Medicaid recipients in Virginia (particularly pregnant women)
  • Large restaurant chains in Virginia (regarding polystyrene container ban)
  • Individuals involved in mail theft, street racing, or fentanyl distribution in Virginia

What action is being taken

  • D.C. is raising the minimum wage from $17.50 to $17.95 per hour
  • Maryland is implementing a 3% sales tax on technology services
  • Maryland is increasing the cannabis sales tax from 9% to 12%
  • Maryland is requiring a tenant bill of rights to be attached to all residential leases
  • Maryland is funding expanded abortion access through an ACA plan surcharge
  • Virginia is enforcing mandatory seatbelt use for all adults in vehicles
  • Virginia is requiring school boards to limit student cell phone use during school hours
  • Virginia is mandating parents set aside earnings from monetized content featuring children under 16
  • Virginia is providing Medicaid coverage for up to 10 doula visits during and after pregnancy

Why it matters

  • The new laws impact essential aspects of daily life including wages, healthcare, education, and public safety
  • Maryland's tech tax alone is expected to generate $500 million in revenue as part of $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees
  • The legislation addresses emerging technological concerns such as AI-generated revenge porn and child influencer protections
  • Virginia's healthcare changes improve support for pregnant Medicaid recipients
  • The laws represent significant policy shifts that affect businesses, workers, and public institutions across the region
  • The legislation reflects government responses to evolving societal challenges including technology regulation and public safety

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer