by John Reid

As the calendar rolls into July, several laws which Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed goes into effect. Below are just a few of the new laws:

Child Marriage: Virginia is now the first Southern state to abolish child marriage. The legal age of marriage is now 18 years old and in addition, forbids a minor to be declared emancipated based on their intent to marry.

Child Access to Guns: Known as ‘Lucia’s Law,’ any parent, guardian, or caregiver over the age of 18 who prevents a minor from accessing a firearm will be guilty of a Class 5 felony if the child is charged or convicted of a violent felony. They will also be charged if the adult received prior notification via preliminary determination that the child posed a threat to themselves or others.

Legacy Admissions: Both state universities and colleges are prohibited from giving preferential treatment to applicants because of their legacy status or association in some capacity to a donor

Prison Reform: Between 2017 and 2022, Virginia prisons used attack dogs in 271 incidents, according to the Business Insider investigation, the most by any state. A new law limits using attack canines in prisons and prohibits their use in juvenile detention facilities.

Tenants Rights: Victims of domestic or sexual abuse have the right to terminate a lease agreement if they have a permanent protective order and may need to move because of safety concerns.

For a list of all the new laws, visit the Virginia General Legislative Information System website.