Life in Virginia will change, in some ways, because as of today, July 1, new laws are now in effect from the past General Assembly session.
Don't forget that this November, Commonwealth residents headed to the polls to vote must display some form of identification.
The most contentious piece of legislation during the last legislative session, that sparked numerous protests, takes effect. Women will now be required to undergo an ultrasound before having an abortion.
Gov. Bob McDonnell signed off on the controversial ultrasound-abortion bill in March.
The bill was passed by the House of Delegates in March by a vote of 63-35. The Virginia Senate also approved the measure by a vote of 21-19. [Read the bill]
As of July 1, more state run liquor stores are now allowed to open their doors on Sundays. Before today only certain locations were allowed to open on Sundays.
Additionally, one of the strictest drunk driving laws in the country is now in the books.
In Virginia, first time Driving Under the Influence offenders will have to get an ignition interlock device installed in their car. It will prevent an engine from turning on if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath.
If the driver's blood alcohol is more than .02 percent the car won't start.
It can also do random tests, which trigger lights and horns if they are ignored or the driver exceeds the limit.
And now breweries in the state will now be able to have a license to sell, at retail, the brands of beer that the brewery owns at premises.
Aiming to keep waterways safe, the GA passed a law requiring citizens to pass a safety class before operating a jet ski. Also, boaters younger than 30 are now required to complete a boating safety course.
