CHAPTER 737

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 5.1-2, 5.1-28 and 52-8 of the Code of
Virginia, relating to certain powers of the State Corporation Com-
mission to enforce State laws and its rules and regulations concern-
ing aircraft and related subjects and the authority of the State Police
to investigate certain aircraft accidents.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §§ 5.1-2, 5.1-23 and 52-8 of the Code of Virginia be amended
and reenacted as follows: }

§ 5.1-2. Commission to administer chapter; rules and regulations;
aviation facilities constructed, etc., with State funds.—(a) The Commis-
sion shall administer the provisions of this chapter, and for such purpose
is authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations relating to air-
ports, aircraft, air traffic, construction and inspection of aircraft, quali-
fications and licensing of airmen, stunt flying, and such other kindred
matters and things as the Commission may deem proper and necessary
to promote and develop safe traffic by aircraft. (b) The Commission shall
prescribe reasonable regulations for the operation of all airports, landing
fields and other aviation facilities constructed, maintained or improved
in whole or in part with funds appropriated by the General Assembly.
Subject to such regulations, the public shall have access to every such
airport, landing field and facility. (c) The Enforcement Division of the
State Corporation Commission shall have the authority to enforce any
provision of this title and any rules and regulations promulgated by the
wn in reference to aircraft, airfields, pilots and other similar
subjects. :

§ 5.1-23. Jurisdiction of local police authorities.—The local police
authorities of any city, incorporated town or county shall have jurisdic-
tion on the premises of any airport, drop zone or landing field operated
hereunder, either individually or jointly and the State police shall have
jurisdiction on the premises of any airport to investigate any aircraft
accidents occurring thereon. In the exercise of such jurisdiction the State
police may enter with immunity and without a warrant upon private
property in the proximity of any airport for the purpose of conducting
such investigations. This section shall not repeal the provisions of any
city charter in conflict herewith. .

§ 52-8. Powers and duties to enforce criminal laws.—The Superin-
tendent of State Police, his several assistants and police officers appointed
by him are vested with the powers of a sheriff for the purpose of enforc-
ing all the criminal laws of this State and for investigating any aircraft
accident which occurs in the State, and it shall be the duty of the Super-
intendent, his several assistants and police officers appointed by him to
use their best efforts to enforce the same.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as relieving any sheriff
or sergeant, commissioner of the revenue, police officer, or any other
official now or hereafter invested with police powers and duties, State
or local, from the duty of aiding and assisting in the enforcement of
such laws within the scope of his authority and duty.