July 1, 2026: The New State Laws You Need to Know

Weapons & Firearms

Virginia's Sweeping Gun Reforms: Virginia has implemented one of the most aggressive packages of gun control laws seen in years. Effective July 1, the state bans the future sale, transfer, and manufacture of certain semi-automatic "assault firearms" and standard-capacity magazines (though current owners are grandfathered in). The state also raised the minimum age to purchase handguns and covered firearms from 18 to 21, cracked down on unserialized "ghost guns," and expanded the list of places where concealed carry is prohibited, including hospitals and college campuses.

California's Expanded Definitions: California continues to tighten its strict firearms framework. As of July 1, the state expanded the legal definition of a "firearm" to include the frame or receiver of the weapon (including completed frames and firearm precursor parts). This subjects these components to the state's mandatory lost/stolen reporting requirements.

Cannabis & Hemp

Georgia Expands Medical Cannabis: Georgia has modernized its medical cannabis program with Senate Bill 220. Previously restricted to "low-THC oil," the state has updated its terminology to "medical cannabis" and is moving away from the strict 5% THC cap toward a possession limit measured in milligrams. Notably, the state now allows vaporization products for registered patients 21 and older and has added lupus to the list of qualifying conditions. Recreational marijuana remains strictly illegal in Georgia.

Driving & Vehicles

Automated Speed Enforcement Expands: If you are taking a road trip this summer, be aware that automated speed cameras are becoming much more common. Several states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida, are actively deploying AI-linked cameras in work zones and school zones that issue civil violations automatically.

Florida Habitual Offender Updates: Under Florida's new "Isaiah's Law" (HB 35), driving without a valid license now counts toward "habitual traffic offender" status. Drivers accumulating qualifying offenses within a five-year period face significantly steeper consequences.

Privacy & Technology

Connecticut Tightens Data Rules: Connecticut has significantly lowered the threshold for businesses that must comply with its Data Privacy Act. The law now applies to businesses processing data of just 35,000 consumers (down from 100,000). Crucially, Connecticut has joined Virginia, Maryland, and Oregon in explicitly prohibiting the sale of precise geolocation data.

Maryland Bans Sale to Immigration Enforcement: In a unique privacy move, Maryland now prohibits data controllers from knowingly selling consumer personal data to any governmental entity that has engaged in or supported civil immigration enforcement within the preceding six months.

Property & Landlord-Tenant

Virginia Tenant Protections: Virginia landlords face new restrictions and requirements. Landlords must now accept rent and security deposits via check and money order (not just electronic portals) and must offer at least one fee-free payment option. Additionally, the mandatory waiting period for eviction due to nonpayment of rent has been increased from a 5-day notice to a 14-day "pay or quit" notice.

Employment & Wages

Minimum Wage Hikes: Several jurisdictions are raising their minimum wages on July 1. The District of Columbia's minimum wage rises to $18.40 per hour. In California, certain healthcare workers will see their minimum wage jump to $25 per hour, while local wages in cities like San Francisco ($19.61) and Los Angeles ($18.42) are also increasing. Nevada, Oregon, and parts of Maryland and Illinois also have scheduled July 1 increases.

Virginia Pay Transparency: Virginia employers are now required to disclose the wage or salary range in all public and internal job postings. The state has also implemented a salary history ban, prohibiting employers from asking applicants about their past compensation.