The Virginia Campground Association (VCA) announced that several new Virginia laws that took effect July 1 could affect campground hiring, employment practices and food service operations, encouraging members to review their business policies for compliance.
According to the association, the new laws approved by the Virginia General Assembly may have implications for campground businesses, particularly those that hire seasonal employees or operate camp stores, snack bars, cafés or restaurants.
While not every legislative change applies to campgrounds, the VCA said several provisions warrant attention.
Among the changes are new hiring transparency requirements. Virginia employers are now required to include a good-faith salary or wage range in both external and internal job postings.
Employers also are prohibited from asking job applicants about their previous salary history during the hiring process.
The association encouraged campground operators to review any active employment advertisements posted on company websites or hiring platforms, including Indeed and Facebook, to ensure salary or wage ranges are included.
It also recommended updating employment applications and interview materials if they request information about an applicant’s previous compensation.
For campgrounds that provide food service, the VCA said additional requirements now apply to certain food packaging and allergy labeling.
Some businesses also must comply with Virginia’s expanded restrictions on polystyrene, or Styrofoam, food containers.
The association advised operators with questions about compliant food service products to consult their suppliers.
The VCA also encouraged campground operators to remain informed about changes to Virginia employment and workforce laws, noting that regulatory requirements continue to evolve.
It said reviewing workplace policies each summer can help businesses, including those with only a few seasonal employees, remain current with state requirements.
In its member update, the association said it is available to help connect campground operators with reliable resources and subject matter experts when questions arise about new laws affecting campground operations.
“If a new law raises questions about your campground operation, let us know. We can’t provide legal advice, but we can often point members toward reliable resources and subject matter experts,” the association states in an email.