Why 4/5: The bill significantly increases financial penalties and legal risks for employers found in violation of wage and worker classification laws, requiring immediate attention to compliance.
This bill significantly increases the financial penalties for Virginia small businesses that violate minimum wage, overtime, or worker misclassification laws, potentially leading to triple damages and attorney fees. It also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report potential legal violations, adding new compliance considerations.
Update
Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (3/14/2026 2:04 pm)
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by House (62-Y 35-N 0-A)
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by Senate (20-Y 19-N 0-A)
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB238)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB238ER)
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Minimum wage and overtime wages; payment, definitions, misclassification of workers, civil actions.”) · Read the actual bill →
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB238)
Line-item veto
Governor's recommendation received by House
Update
Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/14/2026 12:41 pm)
Update
Substitute bill reprinted 26110450D
Update
Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/20/2026 4:21 pm)