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On November 18, 2025, Governor of Virginia announced the signing of a new legislation that will have a significant impact on service members in the state. The new law, called the Military Service Member Protection Act, aims to provide greater protection and support for military personnel and their families.One of the key provisions of the legislation is the extension of certain legal protections for service members who are deployed overseas. Under the new law, service members will have the ability to have their lease agreements terminated early if they receive military orders for a permanent change of station or deployment for at least 90 days. This provision aims to alleviate the financial burden on service members who may need to move quickly due to their military obligations.In addition to lease protections, the Military Service Member Protection Act also includes provisions related to employment rights for service members. Employers in Virginia will now be required to provide job protection for service members who are called to active duty for up to 18 months. This ensures that service members can return to their jobs after their military service without fear of losing their employment.Furthermore, the legislation also addresses issues related to child custody and visitation rights for service members. The new law stipulates that courts must consider a service member's military service when making decisions about custody and visitation arrangements. This provision aims to ensure that service members are able to maintain relationships with their children even when deployed or stationed far from home.Overall, the Military Service Member Protection Act represents a significant step forward in supporting and protecting the rights of service members in Virginia. The law acknowledges the sacrifices and unique challenges faced by military personnel and their families and seeks to provide them with the necessary legal protections and support. It is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of service members in the state for years to come.