Summary of Virginia Employment Law Updates (2024)
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes to virginia employment law as outlined in the provided text:
1. Hospital Workplace Violence Reporting:
New Reporting Requirements: Hospitals are now legally obligated to report incidents involving the use of a weapon or object with intent to cause harm (bodily, sexual, or “anything else”).
Report Content: Reports must include details about the incident itself, the response (security/law enforcement involvement & policy changes), and facts about the reporter.
Reporting Frequency: Quarterly reports to the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer; annual reports to the Department of Health.
regulation Development: the State Board of Health will create specific regulations for the annual reporting to the Department of Health,due by July 1,2026.
2. Child Labor Protections for Content Creators:
Defining “Content Creation Work”: A child under 16 is considered working in content creation if:
At least 30% of a creator’s compensated videos feature the child’s likeness, name, or photo.
Videos meet the platform’s threshold for compensation or the creator earns at least $0.10 per view.
Recordkeeping Requirements for Content Creators: Creators regularly featuring children under 16 must keep records of:
Child’s name and age proof.
Number of compensated videos.
Minutes of compensated video content.
Minutes the child appears in videos.
Total compensation from videos featuring the child.
Amount deposited into a trust account for the child.
Trust Account: A portion of earnings from content featuring a child must be placed in a trust account accessible to the child at age 18 or emancipation.
Enforcement: Children (or their parents/guardians) can sue for violations. Prosperous suits regarding the trust account can result in compensatory,punitive damages,and attorney’s fees.
Statute of Limitations: Two years from the child’s 18th birthday to file a lawsuit.
3. Barbershop/Cosmetology salon Employment for Minors:
Expanded Opportunities: Virginia law now allows individuals 16 years or older to work in licensed barbershops or cosmetology salons under specific conditions:
Registered apprenticeships.
Valid work-training programs.
Holding a valid cosmetology or barber license from the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.
Previous Law: Previously only allowed for those 16 and older in registered apprenticeships.
Key Takeaway for Employers:
Employers (especially hospitals and content creators) need to review and update their policies to comply with these new regulations. Staying informed about these changes is crucial to avoid potential legal issues.
