The first five months of 2025 were marked by events nationally and internationally and a seemingly endless dire news cycle. Nonetheless, “quieter” legal developments have emerged locally in Virginia and Maryland with significant impact. These legislative updates are effective July 1, 2025 and have significant penalties if not implemented correctly.

The Trump Administration’s first two months were marked by tens of thousands of terminations and proposed terminations in the federal workplace. These recent separation decisions have suddenly and significantly affected a notable portion of the workforce in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia—as well as nationally. The impacts undoubtedly extend to federal contractors (the second largest employer regionally) —with more strain forecasted after President Trump’s February 26, 2025, Executive Order surrounding cutting back on the federal government’s interaction with the private sector.

On January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration signed the Executive Orders “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” and “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” with the effect of law. Both Executive Orders have a broad scope and include mandatory changes to decades of law surrounding discrimination while rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives for the federal and local governments.

Discover three essential tips for employee planning in 2025. Learn how to navigate overtime classifications, comply with salary transparency laws, and optimize restrictive covenant agreements to ensure compliance and mitigate risks in the workplace.