Police Drones, Breastfeeding and State Songs Among New Laws in Virginia

July has arrived, marking the start of a new fiscal year in the commonwealth of Virginia.

With it comes the dawn of a series of new laws that will take effect in Virginia beginning Wednesday. Here’s a rundown of some of the laws set to take effect, according to the Washington Post and the Virginian-Pilot.

• Employers can no longer ask employees (or perspective employees) for the username and passwords to their social media accounts.

• Breastfeeding is now legal anywhere the mother is lawfully present.

• Campus police are required to contact local authorities within 48 hours of starting any investigation into possible felony sexual assault on a college campus.

• University registrars are required to make note of any suspensions, expulsions or withdrawals from school related to sexual violence on a student’s transcript.

• A new law will provide an “affirmative defense” for patients suffering from epilepsy who have a doctor’s note to use cannabidiol oil for treatment.

• Virginia will now claim two state songs. The official song remains “Our Great Virginia,” while the popular choice is “Sweet Virginia Breeze.”

• Law enforcement agencies must obtain a search warrant in order to use unmanned aircraft systems (including police drones).

• Drivers can now legally cross double yellow lines in order to safely pass pedestrians and cyclists on the road.

• Farmers are now permitted to grow industrial hemp if it is part of a university-managed research program.

• The commonwealth will now license phone-based car services including Uber and Lyft. Drivers must be 21 years of age, maintain a valid driver’s license with valid insurance, and must pass criminal and sex offender background checks.