VIRGINIA (DC News Now) -- In 2025, Virginians can expect some changes as new laws will be going into effect at the start of the new year. DC News Now has compiled a list of some of the laws going into effect on Jan 1., 2025. New Maryland laws going into effect Jan. 1, 2025 Virginia to increase minimum wage The minimum wage in Virginia will increase from $12 to $12.41 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2025. This is because of a bill that was passed by the 2020 Virginia General Assembly which requires the minimum wage to be adjusted for inflation.  This will be the procedure moving forward each year for the annual minimum hourly rate. VDOT to establish and maintain a publicly accessible database The bill, which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, states that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has to establish and maintain a publicly accessible database and map of all utility work that has been approved by the department and will take place within a highway right-of-way in a residential neighborhood.