Be in the Know - From Seatbelts to Styrofoam: Key Virginia Laws Effective July 1

As we turn the page into the second half of the year, several new laws have officially taken effect across Virginia—bringing changes that impact everything from real estate transactions to road safety, environmental practices, and digital privacy. Here are some of the most impactful changes that may affect our clients, communities, and daily operations:

🚗 Seat Belt Law Expansion – “Christopher King Law”

All vehicle occupants—front and back seat, regardless of age—are now required to wear seat belts. This law, named in memory of Christopher King, aims to reduce preventable injuries and fatalities on Virginia roads.

🏠 Real Estate & Settlement Updates

• Septic Inspections: Must now be conducted by a licensed septic system installer or operator. Walkover inspections by termite inspectors are no longer allowed. The inspection must include opening the tank and evaluating the full system.
• Possession Timing: Unless the contract explicitly states otherwise, possession now transfers to the buyer once all prerecordation conditions are met (conditions of contract fulfilled, fully signed and funded), even if recordation hasn’t occurred yet.

🧃 Styrofoam Ban

Virginia has officially banned the use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) food containers by large food vendors. Smaller businesses must comply by 2026. This is part of the state’s broader environmental initiative to reduce non-biodegradable waste.



📱 Social Media Limits for Minors – Effective January 1, 2026

A new law will require parental consent for minors to create social media accounts. Platforms will also be required to implement stricter age verification and data privacy protections for users under 18.

💰 Tax Changes

• Standard Deduction Increase: Now $8,750 for individuals and $17,500 for joint filers.
• Refundable EITC: Increased to 20% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
• Firearm Safety Device Credit: Expanded to include purchases from commercial retailers.

These changes reflect Virginia’s continued efforts to improve safety, transparency, and quality of life for its residents. For more details, visit the Virginia Division of Legislative Services.

6 Takeaways From Michelle Bowman's First Speech as Fed Vice Chair

by Gabrielle Saulsbery

In her first speech as Fed Vice Chair for Supervision, Michelle Bowman emphasized the need for tailored regulation and supervision of banks, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. She also highlighted the importance of revisiting regulations implemented after the 2007-08 financial crisis to ensure they remain effective and appropriate. Additionally, Bowman advocated for a more transparent and efficient bank application process, particularly for new banks and mergers. Click HERE for a more detailed breakdown of the six key points.

Want To Cut Through Small Talk? Try Asking a 'Magical Question'

by Marielle Segarra, Sam Yellowhorse Kesler, Malaka Gharib

You are invited to rethink how we connect with others in everyday conversations. The authors aims to move readers beyond the routine “How are you?” and into more meaningful territory by introducing a simple but powerful question: “What’s something you’re excited about right now?” This question, the author suggests, opens the door to authenticity, emotional resonance, and genuine connection—qualities often missing in surface-level small talk. Drawing on expert insights and real-world examples, the article encourages readers to embrace curiosity and vulnerability as tools for deeper human interaction, whether in personal relationships or professional settings. Click HERE to read on and become the master at cutting through small talk.

The Skills and Habits Aspiring CEOs Need to Build

by Vasundhara Sawhney

Today’s CEOs have a fresh set of challenges that the standard management playbook is ill-equipped to address. As a result, many are heading for the exit. And executive recruiters report that fewer people are interested in, or ready to, replace them. Are we at an inflection point in what future CEOs need to be successful? Is enough being done to equip up-and-coming CEOs to navigate these evolving dynamics? How can companies ensure future leaders are prepared to make tough decisions in chaotic times, and lead diverse, tech-first, and global workforces. Three experts share their views. Click HERE to learn more.

🎥 NC Title Talk: Demystifying 1031 Exchanges with “That 1031 Guy”

In this episode of NC Title Talk, Matt Linville—aka That 1031 Guy from Investors Title Exchange Corporation (ITEC)—breaks down the essential rules and strategies behind a 1031 like-kind exchange. If you’ve ever wondered how to defer capital gains tax on investment property, this quick and practical overview is the perfect place to start.

ITEC is a trusted Qualified Intermediary, helping investors and professionals across the country complete compliant, tax-deferred exchanges with confidence. Backed by Investors Title, ITEC brings legal experience, financial strength, and a hands-on approach to every transaction.

💡 Virginia Title Center is here to help! We can serve as your initial point of contact for 1031 Exchanges and connect you directly with the experts at ITEC to ensure a smooth and informed process.

📺 Click HERE to watch the episode and learn more about 1031 Exchanges.

“Good education doesn’t just fill in the blanks. It connects the dots.”— Matt Linville, That 1031 Guy

Making Banking Great Again Starts With Community Banks

by Kelly A. Brown



As the banking industry continues to consolidate and digitize, community banks are emerging as unlikely heroes in the effort to restore trust, accessibility, and personal service in financial services. This article explores how these smaller, locally rooted institutions are leveraging fintech partnerships to modernize operations without losing their hometown touch. By embracing innovation while staying true to their mission of serving local businesses and families, community banks are not only surviving—but thriving—in a rapidly changing financial landscape. Click HERE to discover how this “back-to-basics” approach could be the key to making banking great again.

🔐 Security & CertifID Spotlight:

Virginia Title Center Has Your Back!

At Virginia Title Center, protecting your transactions is our top priority. In an industry where wire fraud and cyber threats are on the rise, we go above and beyond to safeguard your clients and your reputation.

We proudly utilize CertifID to verify identities and secure wire instructions, ensuring peace of mind for everyone involved. But we don’t stop there — our security stack includes:

✅ Positive Pay to prevent check fraud

✅ Rynoh for real-time escrow account monitoring

✅ Three-way daily reconciliation to ensure financial accuracy and transparency

We also partner with Investors Title who shares our commitment to security and compliance.

📄 Explore our latest security flyers:

• CertifID Overview Flyer
• CertifID Match to Verify Identity
• Wire Fraud Prevention Tips

Why it matters: When you choose Virginia Title Center, you’re choosing a partner who’s proactive, vigilant, and always looking out for your and your clients' best interests.