Virginia employers are facing their most significant compliance moment in years. The 2026 General Assembly session produced a sweeping package of new employment laws that will reshape hiring practices, leave policies, workplace safety obligations, and litigation exposure for businesses across the Commonwealth. Most provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

The Virginia Retail Federation has partnered with Kevin Holden and Winston West, labor and employment attorneys at Jackson Lewis P.C., to offer this exclusive member briefing. They will walk through each new law, explain what it requires of employers, and outline practical steps Virginia retailers should take now, and in the months ahead, to achieve compliance and reduce risk.

This webinar is designed for business owners, HR professionals, operations managers, and anyone responsible for employment practices at a Virginia retail operation.

Session Agenda

• Pay Transparency (HB 636/SB 215) – Salary history ban and mandatory wage range disclosure in all job postings. Private right of action with damages up to $10,000 per violation. Effective July 1, 2026.
• Heat Illness Prevention (HB 1092/SB 288) – Directs Virginia’s Safety & Health Codes Board to create heat illness standards by May 1, 2028. Employers should begin assessing heat exposure risk now.
• Appeal Bond Caps (HB 1111) – Limits on suspension bonds required to stay civil judgment collection during appeal. Affects employer litigation strategy and risk management.
• Noncompete Restrictions (SB 170) – Noncompetes unenforceable against employees terminated involuntarily without severance, for agreements signed on or after July 1, 2026.
• Class Actions (HB 449/SB 229) – Creates Virginia’s first class action mechanism for employment-related claims. Employers could face collective actions across multiple employees. *Vetoed by the Governor on May 19, 2026.
• Paid Sick Leave (HB 5/SB 199) – Universal paid sick leave for all employees: 1 hr per 30 hrs worked; 40-hr front-load option. Employer compliance begins July 1, 2027.
• Paid Family & Medical Leave (HB 1207/SB 2) – State-administered insurance program. Payroll deductions begin April 1, 2028; up to 12 weeks of benefits at 80% of wages beginning January 1, 2029.
• Expanded Wage Liability (HB 238) – Civil actions for minimum wage, misclassification, and prevailing wage violations; expanded anti-retaliation protections. *removed retaliatory actions in the amended version signed by the Governor.
• Q&A – Open question-and-answer session. Submit questions in advance at registration.

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About the Presenters

Kevin D. Holden is a principal at Jackson Lewis P.C. in Richmond, Virginia, with more than 25 years of experience representing employers in complex labor and employment matters. He focuses on defending class and individual claims under laws such as Title VII, the ADA, FMLA, ADEA, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and regularly advises businesses on compliance and litigation avoidance.

He appears before state and federal courts, as well as agencies including the EEOC and Department of Labor, and leads the firm’s FCRA Class Action group. A frequent speaker and past chair of the Virginia State Bar’s Labor & Employment Section, Kevin is also known for his practical counsel to businesses on workplace strategy and risk.

N. Winston West, IV is an associate in the Richmond, Virginia, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling, with a particular focus on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in the workplace.

Registration

This webinar is a complimentary benefit for Virginia Retail Federation members. Registration is required. All registered attendees will receive a recording and summary materials following the session.