Source: Forbes

Forbes details Virginia’s new employment legislation taking effect in 2025, which includes provisions on AI in hiring, background checks, and cannabis use. A major innovation is the requirement for employers to inform job applicants when AI-driven tools are used to evaluate their candidacy.

The law also imposes limits on automated decision-making in hiring, mandating transparency and human review. Additionally, it clarifies employment protections for individuals who use cannabis legally and updates rules around criminal background checks.

The combined reforms aim to balance technological innovation with civil rights protections and labor transparency, setting a potential model for other U.S. states.