Virginia Senate narrowly approves phased $15 minimum wage plan

The Senate passed Senate Bill 1, which would increase Virginia's minimum wage in steps to $15 per hour by Jan. 1, 2028 and require annual adjustments thereafter indexed to the consumer price index. The bill also codifies an adjusted state hourly minimum of $12.77 effective Jan. 1, 2026 and a further increase to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2027.

Advocates said the measure is overdue, would restore purchasing power lost to inflation and improve financial stability for families; one supporter said raising wages reduces turnover and increases consumer spending. Opponents argued the same statutory wage statewide fails to reflect regional cost differences across urban and rural localities and warned of potential job losses or business relocation.

The final recorded vote was Ayes 20, Noes 19; the clerk recorded Senate Bill 1 as passed and the bill was advanced.