                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER (§ 44-146.15)

Nothing in this chapter is to be construed to:

1. Limit, modify, or abridge the authority of the Governor to exercise any
powers vested in him under other laws of this Commonwealth independent of, or in
conjunction with, any provisions of this chapter;

2. Interfere with dissemination of news or comment on public affairs; but any
communications facility or organization, including, but not limited to, radio
and television stations, wire services, and newspapers, may be required to
transmit or print public service messages furnishing information or instructions
in connection with actual or pending disaster;

3. Empower the Governor, any political subdivision, or any other governmental
authority to in any way limit or prohibit the rights of the people to keep and
bear arms as guaranteed by Article I, Section 13 of the Constitution of Virginia
or the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, including the
otherwise lawful possession, carrying, transportation, sale, or transfer of
firearms except to the extent necessary to ensure public safety in any place or
facility designated or used by the Governor, any political subdivision of the
Commonwealth, or any other governmental entity as an emergency shelter or for
the purpose of sheltering persons;

4. Affect the jurisdiction or responsibilities of police forces, firefighting
forces, units of the armed forces of the United States or any personnel thereof,
when on active duty; but state, local and interjurisdictional agencies for
emergency services shall place reliance upon such forces in the event of
declared disasters; or

5. Interfere with the course of conduct of a labor dispute except that actions
otherwise authorized by this chapter or other laws may be taken when necessary
to forestall or mitigate imminent or existing danger to public health or safety.

HISTORY: 1973, c. 260; 2000, c. 309; 2006, c. 458; 2012, cc. 42, 158.