Story perspectives

2026 Legislation: Health, Social Media, Wages Overhaul in VA, MD, DC

12/30/2025

Summary

Story summary

On January 1, 2026, new legislation will take effect in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., focusing on health, social media, and wages.
Virginia will limit social media use for children under 16 to one hour daily and require baby food testing for toxic metals, while raising the minimum wage to $12.77 per hour.
Maryland will mandate insurance coverage for specific cancer screenings and require cosmetologists to complete domestic violence training.
D.C. will implement automatic expungements for qualifying cases and adjust Medicaid eligibility, affecting low-income residents.

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Story summary

On January 1, 2026, new legislation will take effect in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., focusing on health, social media, and wages.
Virginia will limit social media use for children under 16 to one hour daily and require baby food testing for toxic metals, while raising the minimum wage to $12.77 per hour.
Maryland will mandate insurance coverage for specific cancer screenings and require cosmetologists to complete domestic violence training.
D.C. will implement automatic expungements for qualifying cases and adjust Medicaid eligibility, affecting low-income residents.