Virginia’s small businesses are facing a wave of new mandates that would raise costs, add red tape, and make it harder to operate.

At a time when owners are already dealing with workforce shortages, rising expenses, and tight margins, these proposals would add even more pressure.

NFIB is urging members to contact Gov. Abigail Spanberger and ask for vetoes on four key issues:

• Mandatory leave policies
• New workplace regulations
• Higher energy costs
• Expanded rules for public contracts.

Mandatory Leave Mandates

Senate Bill 2 would require up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave through a new statewide program funded by employers and employees.

That means new payroll taxes and real operational challenges. For a small business, losing even one employee for weeks at a time can mean cutting hours, paying overtime, or hiring and training temporary help.

House Bill 5 would require employers to provide paid sick leave to both full-time and part-time workers.

Together, these bills would also increase legal risk. Employers could face complaints, fines, and lawsuits seeking double damages, attorney fees, and court costs.

Most small businesses already offer flexible leave options. These mandates would take that flexibility away.

Click here to send a message to Governor Spanberger

Heat Standard Mandates

Proposed heat regulations would apply to nearly every workplace, indoors and out, no matter the actual conditions.

The result: more paperwork, more training requirements, and a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t reflect how small businesses actually operate.

Owners already use common sense to keep employees safe. This mandate adds bureaucracy without improving outcomes.

Click here to ask Governor Spanberger to veto heat standard mandates.

Higher Energy Costs

House Bill 397 would expand a carbon trading program that requires power producers to buy allowances through state auctions.

Those costs don’t stay with utilities. They get passed on through higher electric bills.

For small businesses, energy is a major expense. Higher costs mean tighter margins, delayed investments, and harder decisions about growth and hiring.

Click here to tell Governor Spanberger how these mandates would hurt your small business.

More Regulations and Wage Mandates

Senate Bill 324 and House Bill 1046 would add new requirements for businesses working on public projects, including apprenticeship mandates, extra training, and more record keeping.

These changes make it harder for small businesses to compete for public contracts.

Senate Bill 518 and House Bill 569 would impose prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements, forcing businesses to meet state-set wage rates that can change by location.

For small firms, that kind of uncertainty and added cost can be the difference between bidding on a project or walking away.

These proposals would raise costs, reduce flexibility, and make it harder for small businesses to compete.

Click here to tell the governor how these mandates would affect your business.

Small business owners know what works best for their teams. Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard.