Key Legislation Set to Benefit Consumers and Professionals

RICHMOND, April 18, 2025—Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed several bills passed in the 2025 General Assembly session that will positively impact the work of DPOR’s regulatory boards. Effective July 1, these measures will strengthen consumer protections, streamline regulations, and enable greater professional opportunity.

Amendments to the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Act

The amendments to the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund Act improve consumer protection and administrative efficiency. The changes increase the recovery fund payment limits from $20,000 to $30,000, providing greater financial relief for consumers harmed by dishonest contractors. The maximum biennial aggregate against any single contractor was raised from $40,000 to $100,000. The legislation also raises monetary project limits for Class A, B, and C contractors to ensure that contractors can take on projects that match current construction costs and market demands.

Establishing Pathways for International License Recognition

This bill directs the regulatory boards at DPOR to develop regulations that allow for international licensure pathways for qualified professionals, provided they meet certain established criteria. This legislation grants broad discretion to the regulatory boards and builds on the existing Universal License Recognition (ULR) framework, with the goal of making licensing more inclusive and adaptable.

Amendment to Employment Rules for Barbering and Cosmetology Students

This amendment allows students 16 and older who are enrolled in public barbering or cosmetology education programs to work in licensed barbershops and salons. Formerly, while apprentices of the same age were allowed to work in these environments, students in similar public education programs faced restrictions until they turned 18, despite learning identical skills. This legislation aims to eliminate confusion and align employment opportunities with the standards of the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, ensuring that students can gain practical experience and employment.

Amendments to the Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board Statute

The changes to Physician Requirements outlined in §54.1-829 and 54.1-829.1 update the requirement for ringside physicians from five years of practicing medicine in the Commonwealth to three years in any jurisdiction and licensed in the Commonwealth. This reduces regulatory barriers for physicians wanting to serve in this role while ensuring adequate medical supervision during events. Regarding gate fees, the previous requirement stated that fees be paid within 24 hours of an event. Amendments to §54.1-833 extend the due date to two weeks, as the 24-hour window has proven to be unattainable for promoters. A third amendment proposes to change the term "exhibition" to "exhibition bout" and redefine it as a bout in which participants display skills without a declared winner. The update clarifies that exhibitions should be part of licensed events, ensuring they adhere to regulations.  

Virginia Real Estate Time Share Act Amendments

The amendment the Virginia Real Estate Time Share Act offers key benefits for both consumers and time share resellers by enhancing privacy protections and reducing liability. By removing the requirement for resellers to retain copies of government-issued photographic identification, the risk of identity theft is minimized, and resellers are relieved of the burden of safeguarding sensitive personal information. This change also ensures compliance with legal restrictions on photocopying certain IDs, such as military identification, and simplifies business operations by reducing unnecessary record-keeping.

Powers and Duties of the Board for Professional and Occupational Regulation

Legislation to strengthen the Board for Professional and Occupational Regulation (BPOR) will enhance its role in overseeing regulated professions and occupations in Virginia. By authorizing BPOR to conduct periodic reviews of current regulations, the legislation ensures that oversight remains relevant and responsive to changing industry standards. It also expands BPOR's advisory role, allowing it to recommend both regulatory updates and potential deregulation. The legislation grants BPOR budgetary review authority to improve fiscal oversight and resource allocation within DPOR.