The General Assembly passed several new laws that became effective today. The Virginian-Pilot reported on these new laws on the front page news section. Here are some of the highlights: 1. Employment law Employers may not ask employees for their social media user names and/or passwords. Employers must notify the Virginia Department of Labor of work-related hospitalizations, amputations, or loss of eyes. 2. Family law Breastfeeding is allowed now anywhere in public as long as she is lawfully present. On marriage certificates, a person may designate one’s self as “bride,” “groom,” or “spouse.” 3. Traffic and Criminal law Police must secure a search warrant before using an unmanned drone. Drivers are now allowed to cross a double yellow line to safely pass pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers cited by red-light cameras can appeal to the Circuit Court where the fines are at $20, where they were $50. If a person suffers from epilepsy and has a doctor’s note for use of marijuana oil, those facts serve as an affirmative defense in a prosecution for possession of marijuana. For a full listing of the new laws, check out the Virginian-Pilot article from July 1, 2015. Knowing the law is the first step in protecting your rights. If your rights have been violated, contact the experienced Western Tidewater attorneys of Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C. Protecting your rights is our mission.
