new laws

New laws go into effect in the D.C. area on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 related to plastic bags, leaf blowers, disposable utensils, car insurance and more. Here’s a rundown.

Sweeping new police reforms took effect in Maryland Friday involving the release of police records, the use of controversial no-knock warrants and how police-involved deaths are investigated. News4’s Darcy Spencer spoke with lawmakers and a head of the state Fraternal Order of Police, which is critical of the new laws.

Major police reforms take effect in Maryland on Oct. 1 among more laws in D.C. and Virginia.

New laws that go into effect Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, in D.C., Maryland and Virginia affect LGBT rights, scooters, court record expungement, prescription drugs and a lot more.

A new scooter lock law goes into effect on Friday. News4’s Transportation Reporter Adam Tuss has more.

Northern Virginia Bureau Reporter Drew Wilder explains what you can and can’t do when Virginia legalizes marijuana.

New laws that go into effect Thursday, July 1, 2021 in D.C., Maryland and Virginia affect marijuana rules, the minimum wage, voter access, child care subsides and a lot more. Here’s a rundown of what changes.

Delawareans can look ahead to the New Year with one less thing to worry about

A new year means new laws. Read on for some of the changes beginning Jan. 1, 2021 around the D.C. area.

New laws taking effect in D.C., Maryland and Virginia could impact your wallet, protect you at work or change how you get around the D.C. area. On Oct. 1, 2020, numerous bills passed before and after the start of the pandemic are taking effect. Here’s a look at some of the major changes. The coronavirus pandemic didn’t stop Maryland...

Strangulation will be a felony in Maryland starting Thursday, after advocacy related to domestic violence. “I almost died being strangled by my abuser,” one woman told News4’s Darcy Spencer. Victims of strangulation are much more likely to be killed by their abusers in the future, said the head of the special victims division in the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s...

A new law in Virginia requires all cars to stop for pedestrians who are anywhere in a crosswalk. News4’s Adam Tuss reports.

Drivers must now fully stop, not just yield, for pedestrians in all crosswalks in Virginia or they could be slapped with a $500 fine. The law that went into effect Wednesday, July 1 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in any marked or unmarked crosswalk. That means any intersection where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Drivers can…

New laws taking effect in D.C., Maryland and Virginia on July 1 could change how much you get paid, how you drive, how employers and police act and more. Here’s what you need to know. Paid Family Leave  D.C. workers can take paid family leave as of July 1. The policy passed by the D.C. Council in December 2016...

News4’s Juliana Valencia explains how new laws, including minimum wage increases, could affect residents.

In Virginia, new laws cut sales tax on diapers and tampons, and, in one county, increased license plate fees. Here’s a roundup of new laws in Maryland and Virginia as of Jan. 1, 2020: Maryland Minimum Wage Increase: Low-wage workers in Maryland will now make a little more. The state’s minimum wage rose on Wednesday from $10.10 an hour to…