Hundreds of new laws come into force across Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC on Thursday, October 1, altering rules affecting shoppers, motorists, renters, workers, gun owners and tobacco retailers.
Maryland has the biggest package, with more than 300 measures taking effect. Virginia is introducing a smaller number of changes on October 1, while the District’s new financial year brings changes to paid family leave and a series of local schemes.
Maryland laws taking effect on October 1
Maryland shoppers will receive new protection from certain forms of dynamic pricing. Food retailers and third-party delivery services will be barred from varying prices during the same business day based on demand or using personal consumer data to set prices, under the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act. ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0895?ys=2026RS&utm_source=openai))
The state will also tighten rules for motorists. Drivers must make reasonable efforts to remove snow and ice from exposed surfaces before operating a vehicle, with fines for violations involving non-commercial vehicles ranging from $25 to $200. ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/Pubs/LegisLegal/2026RS-bills-signed-or-enacted-05-26-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai))
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration is expected to step up enforcement against residents who use vehicles registered in other states, while a new transparency law will allow car dealers to tell customers when an advertised price is the manufacturer’s minimum permitted price and whether a lower price may be available.
Landlords will face new restrictions when screening prospective tenants. Under the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act, they will generally be prohibited from requesting or considering criminal-history information before making a conditional housing offer, although limited exceptions apply. ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0937?ys=2026RS&utm_source=openai))
People working in certain licensed childcare centres and family childcare homes will also have to undergo criminal-history checks. The Maryland State Department of Education is establishing a centralised system to process and manage the checks. ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0635/?ys=2026rs&utm_source=openai))
Gun buyback schemes will be subject to new safeguards. Law-enforcement agencies and federally licensed firearms dealers running such programmes must destroy firearms and their component parts, while agencies must make reasonable efforts to establish whether a weapon was connected to a crime or reported lost or stolen before it is destroyed. ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0775?ys=2026RS&utm_source=openai))
Other Maryland changes include wider lead-safety rules covering certain rented rooms and shared living spaces, and new provisions allowing vets to recommend cannabis products for pets without facing disciplinary action from state regulators.
Restrictions on the manufacture, sale and purchase of machine-gun-convertible pistols have been legislated for, but those particular prohibitions will not begin until January 1, 2027. ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/Pubs/LegisLegal/2026rs-effective-dates-october.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Virginia tobacco permits and sealed records
Virginia’s main annual batch of new laws took effect on July 1, but two significant measures begin on October 1.
The state’s Clean Slate Act will automatically seal certain misdemeanor conviction records, including eligible trespassing, petit larceny and disorderly conduct offences. Previous marijuana-possession records are also covered by the expanded provisions.
Responsibility for regulating retail tobacco and nicotine sales is moving to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. From October 1, shops selling tobacco products must hold a retail tobacco permit, and selling without one may lead to misdemeanor criminal charges. ([abc.virginia.gov](https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/tobacco-permits?utm_source=openai))
Virginia ABC says the permit applies to retailers including convenience stores, petrol stations, restaurants, bars, supermarkets and specialist tobacco shops. The initial fee is $300 for businesses with an existing alcohol licence and $400 for other retailers. ([abc.virginia.gov](https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/tobacco-permits?utm_source=openai))
Changes for Washington DC residents
Private-sector workers in the District will see changes to paid family and medical leave. The maximum weekly benefit will fall from $1,190 to $1,100, while the maximum period for personal medical leave will drop from 12 weeks to 10 and leave to care for a sick family member will be reduced from 12 weeks to six. ([code.dccouncil.gov](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/acts/26-416?utm_source=openai))
District officials will also launch a $50-a-week pilot scheme at selected high schools in an effort to improve attendance and engagement. The legislation requires the scheme to be designed and administered with an assessment of its effects on attendance, academic achievement, wellbeing and financial literacy.
A new prescription drug discount card programme, ArrayRx DC, will be available to all District residents, including those without insurance. It is intended to reduce the cost of medicines at participating pharmacies, with a focus on improving access through smaller and independent providers. ([code.dccouncil.gov](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/acts/26-416?utm_source=openai))
Newly built or renovated public schools and Department of Parks and Recreation facilities will also have to provide accessible bins designed to resist rodents.
