New Virginia laws in effect today

Media General News Service
Published: July 1, 2008

This year, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has signed into law 884 bills passed by the General Assembly. The vast majority—from driver’s licenses to payday lending to animal fighting—take effect today.

Here are some of the most noteworthy new laws:

Driver’s licenses: Renewing your registration in person at the Department of Motor Vehicles will cost $44, up from $39. A license will be valid for eight years, up from five.
Learner’s permits: The minimum number of driving hours to get a learner’s permit rises from 40 to 45 hours, at least 15 of which must be after sunset.
Seat belts: You could face a $500 fine if convicted a second time of failing to buckle up a child in a child-safety belt. A third conviction could result in a driver’s license suspension for 30 days.
Sunday alcohol sales: Since 2004, ABC stores have been allowed to open on Sundays in 10 cities and counties in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. The new law adds Richmond, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Chesapeake to the list. In those five cities, 36 stores will start Sunday sales from 1 to 6 p.m.
Underage DUI: Under the “zero tolerance” law, an underage drinker who drives with a blood-alcohol level of .02 percent or higher will be subject to a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Payday lending: Borrowers will be limited to one loan at a time. Repayment will be extended from two weeks to four. Interest rates will be capped at 36 percent.
Unemployment compensation: The maximum weekly unemployment compensation benefit will rise from $363 to $378 for claims effective on or after July 6.
Foreclosures: If you’re facing foreclosure because of a high-risk loan, you can get a 30-day reprieve and credit counseling.
Credit reports: Any consumer can freeze access to his credit report and bar a consumer reporting agency from releasing the report without the consumer’s authorization.
Social Security numbers: It will be illegal to disseminate another person’s Social Security number, whether it was obtained from a public or private document.
Military parents: Courts will have new limits on permanently modifying custody or visitation orders involving a child whose parent is deployed in the military.
Illegal immigration: Judicial officers will act under a presumption of no bail for illegal immigrants who are charged with certain crimes.