An Act to amend and reenact § 46.1-299, as amended, of the Code of Virginia, relating to devices signalling intention to turn or stop and rules therefor.

Volume 1968 Law 99

Volume	1956
Law Number	720
Subjects	Amendments Business Civil Rights Employment and labor Healthcare Labor Judicial Legislative Amendments Public expenditures Public officers Voting Utilities Transportation Education Children -- Institutional care Recreation Property Taxation Cemeteries Charity Slavery Amusement Alcohol Voting Wildlife Armed forces Transportation

CHAPTER 720

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 44
Proposing amendments to §§ 155 and 161 of the Constitution of Virginia.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates February 13, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate February 22, 1956

Whereas, the proposed amendment to the Constitution of Virginia,
hereinafter set forth, was agreed to by a majority of the members elected
to the two houses of the General Assembly at the session of nineteen hun-
dred fifty-four and referred to this, the next General Assembly, and
published for three months, as required by the Constitution of Virginia,
and as shown by report of such publication by the Clerk of the House of
Delegates; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates of Virginia, the Senate concur-
ring, a majority of the members elected to each house agreeing, that the
following amendment to the Constitution of Virginia be, and the same is
hereby proposed, in conformity with the provisions of Section one hundred
ninety-six of the Constitution of Virginia, namely:
ion Strike from the Constitution section one hundred fifty-five, which is as

ollows:

§ 155. State Corporation Commission; how selected; term of office;
how vacancies filled; who ineligible; qualifications of at least one member;
how removed or impeached; officers, how selected; rules of order and
procedure; general provisions; salaries.—There shall be a permanent
commission, to consist of three members, which shall be known as the State
Corporation Commission. Their regular term of office shall be six years,
respectively. Whenever a vacancy in th: commission shall occur, the
Governor shall forthwith appoint a qualified person to fill the same for the
CH. 720] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1195

unexpired term, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly or until
his successor be chosen as provided by law. Commissioners selected for
regular terms shall, at the beginning of the terms for which selected, and
those appointed to fill vacancies, shall immediately upon their selection or
appointment, enter upon the duties of their office. The commissioners
shall be elected by the General Assembly. The present commissioners shall
continue in office until the expiration of their present terms. The terms
of their successors shall begin on the first day of February next succeeding
their selection.

No person while employed by, or holding any office in relation to, any
transportation or transmission company, or while in any wise financially
interested therein, or while engaged in practicing law, shall hold office as
a member of said commission, or perform any of the duties thereof. Nor
shall any such person be interested, either directly or indirectly, in any
insurance company, association or fraternal organization, or in any bank,
trust or other like company doing business in this State and which is by
law made subject to the supervision of said State Corporation Commission,
but this section shall not be so construed as to prevent any such person
from being a policyholder in any insurance company, insurance associa-
tion, or fraternal organization.

__At least one of the commissioners shall have the qualifications pre-
scribed for judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals; and any commis-
sioner may be impeached ur removed in the manner provided for the
impeachment or removal of a judge of said court.

The commission shall annually elect one of its members chairman
of the same, and shall have one clerk, and such other clerks, officers,
assistants and subordinates as may be provided by law, all of whom shall
be appointed, and subject to removal by the commission. It shall pre-
scribe its own rules of order and procedure, except so far as the same are
specified in this Constitution or any amendment thereof.

The General Assembly may establish within the department, and
subject to the supervision and control of the commission, subordinate
divisions, or bureaus of insurance, banking or other special branches of
the business of that department.

All sessions of the commission shall be public, and a permanent record
shall be kept of all its judgments, rules, orders, findings and decisions,
and of all reports made to or by it. Two of the commissioners shall
constitute a quorum for the exercise of the judicial, legislative and discre-
tionary functions of the commission, whether there be a vacancy in the
commission or not, except as otherwise provided by law, but a quorum
shall not be necessary for the exercise of its administrative functions,
which are mandatory. The commission shall keep its office open for
business on every day except Sundays and legal holidays.

Transportation companies shall at all times transport, free of charge,
within this State, the members of said commission and its officers, or any
of them, when engaged on their official duties.

The General Assembly shall provide suitable quarters for the com-
mission and funds for its lawful expenses, including pay for witnesses
summoned, and costs of executing processes issued by the commission of
its own motion; and shall fix the salaries of the members of the commis-
sion.

And insert in lieu thereof the following:

Corporation Commission. Their regular term of office shall be six years,
respectively. Whenever a vacancy in the commission shall occur, the Gov-
ernor shall forthwith appoint a qualified person to fill the same for the
unexpired term, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly or until
his successor be chosen as provided by law. Commissioners selected for
regular terms shall, at the beginning of the terms for which selected, and
those appointed to fill vacancies, shall immediately upon their selection
or appointment, enter upon the duties of their office. The commissioners
shall be elected by the General Assembly. The present commissioners
shall continue in office until the expiration of their present terms. The
terms of their successors shall begin on the first day of February next
succeeding their selection.

No person while employed by, or holding any office in relation to, any
transportation or transmission company, or while in any wise financially
interested therein, or while engaged in practicing law, shall hold office as
a member of said commission, or perform any of the duties thereof. Nor
shall any such person be interested, either directly or indirectly, in any
insurance company, association or fraternal organization, or in any bank,
trust or other like company doing business in this State and which is by
law made subject to the supervision of said State Corporation Commis-
sion, but this section shall not be so construed as to prevent any such
person from being a policyholder in any insurance company, insurance
association, or fraternal organization.

At least one of the commissioners shall have the qualifications pre-
scribed for judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals; and any commissioner
may be impeached or removed in the manner provided for the impeach-
ment or removal of a judge of said court.

The commission shall annually elect one of its members chairman of
the same, and shall have one clerk, and such other clerks, officers, assist-
ants and subordinates as may be provided by law, all of whom shall be
appointed and subject to removal by the commission. It shall prescribe
its own rules of order and procedure, except so far as the same are speci-
fied in this Constitution or any amendment thereof.

The General Assembly may establish within the department, and sub-
ject to the supervision and control of the commission, subordinate divi-
sions, or bureaus of insurance, banking or other special branches of the
business of that department.

All sessions of the commission shall be public, and a permanent record
shall be kept of all its judgments, rules, orders, findings and decisions,
and of all reports made to or by it. Two of the commissioners shall con-
stitute a quorum for the exercise of the judicial, legislative and discretion-
ary functions of the commission, whether there be a vacancy in the com-
mission or not, except as otherwise provided by law, but a quorum shall
not be necessary for the exercise of its administrative functions, which
are mandatory. The commission shall keep its office open for business on
every day except Sundays and legal holidays.

The General Assembly shall provide suitable quarters for the com-
mission and funds for its lawful expenses, including pay for witnesses
summoned, and costs of executing processes issued by the commission of
its own motion and shall fix the salaries of the members of the commission.

Strike from the Constitution section one hundred sixty-one, which is
as follows:

§ 161. Free transportation to members of General Assembly and of
State, county, district, or municipal officers, except members and officers
of State Corporation Commission, prohibited; penalty; policemen and
firemen excepted.—No transportation or transmission company doing busi-
ness in this State shall grant to any member of the General Assembly, or
CHS. 720, 721] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1197

to any State, county, district or municipal officer, except to members and
officers of the State Corporation Commission for their personal use while
in office, any frank, free pass, free transportation, or any rebate or reduc-
tion in the rates charged by such company to the general public for like
services. For violation of the provisions of this section the offending com-
pany shall be liable to such penalties as may be prescribed by law; and any
member of the General Assembly, or any such officer, who shall, while
in office, accept any gift, privilege or benefit, prohibited by this section,
shall thereby forfeit his office, and be subject to such further penalties
as may be prescribed by law; but this section shall not prevent a street
railway, transportation or transmission company from granting free
transportation or free service, within this State, to any member of the
police force or fire department while in the discharge of his official duties,
nor prohibit the acceptance by any such policeman or fireman of such free
transportation.

And insert in lieu thereof the following:

§ 161. Free transportation to members of General Assembly and of
State, county, district, or municipal officers, prohibited; penalty; police-
men and firemen excepted.—No transportation or transmission company
doing business in this State shall grant to any member of the General As-
sembly, or to any State, county, district or municipal officer any frank,
free pass, free transportation, or any rebate or reduction in the rates
charged by such company to the general public for like services. For
violation of the provisions of this section the offending company shall be
liable to such penalties as may be prescribed by law; and any member of
the General Assembly, or any such officer, who shall, while in office, accept
any gift, privilege or benefit, prohibited by this section, shall thereby for-
feit his office, and be subject to such further penalties as may be pre-
scribed by law; but this section shall not prevent a street railway, trans-
portation or transmission company from granting free transportation or
free service, within this State, to any member of the police force or fire
department while in the discharge of his official duties, nor prohibit the
acceptance by any such policeman or fireman of such free transportation.

CHAP 721

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 52

Proposing amendment to § 69 of the Constitution of Virginia, relating to
the term of office of the Governor.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates February 27, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate March 2, 1956

Whereas, the proposed amendment to the Constitution of Virginia,
hereinafter set forth, was agreed to by a majority of the members elected
to the two houses of the General Assembly at the session of nineteen
hundred fifty-four and referred to this, the next General Assembly, and
published for three months as required by the Constitution of Virginia and
as shown by report of such publication by the Clerk of the House of Dele-
gates; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, a majority
of the members elected to each house agreeing, that the following amend-
ment to the Constitution of Virginia be and the same is hereby proposed in
conformity with the provisions of section one hundred ninety-six of the
Constitution, namely:
Strike out from the Constitution of Virginia section sixty-nine, which
is in the following words:

Section 69. Governor; term of office.

The chief executive power of the State shall be vested in a Governor.
He shall hold office for a term commencing on the third Wednesday in
January next succeeding his election and ending on the Tuesday after the
second Wednesday in January in the fourth year thereafter. He shall be
ineligible to the same office for the term next succeeding that for which
he was elected, and to any other office during his term of service.

And insert in lieu thereof the following:

Section 69. Governor; term of office.

The chief executive power of the State shall be vested in a Governor.
He shall hold office for a term commencing upon his inauguration on the
Saturday after the second Wednesday in January next succeeding his elec-
tion and ending in the fourth year thereafter immediately after the
inauguration of his successor. He shall be ineligible to the same office
for the term next succeeding that for which he was elected, and to any
other office during his term of service.

I, E. Griffith Dodson, Clerk of the House of Delegates of Virginia,
do hereby certify that the session of the General Assembly of the Com-
monwealth of Virginia at which the Acts of Assembly herein printed
Ate enacted, adjourned sine die on March thirtieth, nineteen hundred

“Six.

E. GRIFFITH DODSON,

Clerk of the House of Delegates
and Keeper of the Rolls of the State

Note: Except as otherwise specifically provided therein, all Acts of
this session of the General Assembly become effective at the first moment
of June 29, 1956.
Joint Resolutions of the General Assembly
SESSION 1956

Mostly Studies and Reports to be made.

(Joint Resolutions to amend the Constitution have Chapter
numbers and precede the certificate of the Clerk)

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6

Making the dogwood the official tree of Virginia.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 13, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, February 24, 1956

Whereas, the Commonwealth of Virginia has never adopted a tree a:
official tree of the State; and

Whereas, the dogwood tree (Cornus florida) is well distributed
jughout the Commonwealth and its beauty is symbolic of the man}
active features of this State; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
wood tree (Cornus florida) is hereby adopted as the official tree of the
imonwealth of Virginia.

Resolved, further, that this action be duly entered upon the records
he Commonwealth and mentioned in the appropriate State publications

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study
matters relating to the Milk Commission.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 27, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, February 6, 1956

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
yinia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
report upon the milk and cream act as it affects the welfare of all the
ens of the Commonwealth, the need for, composition and powers of
State Milk Commission, and the rules and regulations promulgated by
Commission including the fixing of resale prices of milk. All agencies
he State shall assist the Council in its study. The Council shall seek the
stance of all interested and concerned individuals and groups so as tc
_a fair and representative hearing to all such individuals and groups.
Council shall conclude its study and make its report to the Governor
General Assembly not later than December one, nineteen hundred fifty-
n.
To direct the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study facilities
and treatment of children committed to the State Board of Welfare
and Institutions.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, the care, treatment and rehabilitation of children committed
to training schools and other facilities maintained by the State Board of
Welfare and Institutions are of vital importance both to the State and to
the individuals concerned; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is drected to study present and
future programs for facilities and treatment of children committed to
the State Board of Welfare and Insttutions. All agencies of the State
shall assist the Council, up request, in its study. The Council shall com-
plete its study and make a report containing its findings and recommenda-
tions to the Governor and General Assembly not later than September one,
nineteen hundred fifty-seven.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 21

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study and report
upon economies in the operation of the school bus transportation
system and the purchase of school supplies.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 3, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, February 7, 1956

Whereas, the increasing costs of operating the school bus transporta-
tion system and providing supplies and materials for the public school
system is a matter of concern to all taxpayers; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study and
report upon methods to achieve greater economies in the operation of the
school bus transportation system and in the purchase of supplies and
materials for the maintenance and operation of the public schools. All
agencies of the State shall assist the Council in its study. The Council
shall complete its study and make its report to the Governor and General
Assembly not later than September one, nineteen hundred fifty-seven.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25
Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study certain in-
heritance and gift tax laws.
Agreed to by the Senate, with amendment, February 16, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 17, 1956

Whereas, certain inequities have developed in the operation of the in-
heritance tax laws of Virginia in connection with the taxation of property
qoinuly owned, and it is desirable that the law in this respect be clarified;
an
1956) ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1201

Whereas, the gift tax laws of Virginia in connection with property
acquired jointly are related to such inheritance tax laws; now, therefore,

i
Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study of the
inheritance and gift tax laws of Virginia, with particular reference to their
operation with respect to property held or acquired jointly. The Council
shall complete its study and make a report to the Governor and General
Assembly not later than September one, nineteen hundred fifty-seven.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 26

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study of.
commitment procedures to certain institutions and the effect thereof
on the civil rights of persons committed.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 16, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 7, 1956

Whereas, the commitment of an individual to a mental hospital is a
matter of serious import to the individual committed as well as to the
society which commits him; and

Whereas, such commitment exerts a continuing influence upon the
thinking of his neighbors with respect to such individual in every facet of
his personal, social and business activity ; and

Whereas, no commitment should be made except for good cause shown
and with full opportunity to every individual to defend himself and resist
the commitment; and

Whereas, the civil rights of an individual once committed and subse-
quently discharged, should not be adversely affected solely by reason of
his commitment; and

Whereas, the protection of personal liberty and civil rights is funda-
mental in the Commonwealth of Virginia; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study of the
commitment procedures to mental hospitals used in this Commonwealth,
with due regard and study being given to the right of an individual to
defend himself from commitment and to the effect of these procedures upon
the civil rights of persons committed and to recommend such legislation as
may be necessary to simplify, clarify, strengthen and safeguard these
procedures and at the same time fully protect the civil rights of all persons
committed. All agencies of the State shall assist the Council in its study.
The Council shall conclude its study and make its report to the Governor
and the General Assembly not later than September 1, 1957.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28

To amend the Southern Regional Education Compact to increase the number
of members of the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education
and to provide for the representation thereon.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 6, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 1, 1956

Whereas, by Senate Joint Resolution No. 22, the General Assembly of
1950 approved a certain regional compact for the establishment and main-
tenance of certain regional educational institutions to provide greater
educational facilities; and

Whereas, the first sentence of the second paragraph of such Compact
is in the following words and phrases: “The States do further hereby
establish and create a joint agency which shall be known as the Board of
Control for Southern Regional Education (hereinafter referred to as the
“Board’”’), the members of which Board shall consist of the Governor of
each State, ex officio, and three additional citizens of each State to be ap-
pointed by the Governor thereof, at least one of whom shall be selected
from the field of education.” And it is desired to increase the representa-
tion from each state on the Board of Control and to provide for legislative
representation thereon; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate of Virginia concurring,
That approval is hereby given to change the first sentence of the second
paragraph of such Compact to read as follows: “The States do further
hereby establish and create a joint agency which shall be known as the
Board of Control for Southern Regional Education (hereinafter referred
to as the “Board”), the members of which Board shall consist of the Gov-
ernor of each State, ex officio, and four additional citizens of each State
to be appointed by the Governor thereof, at least one of whom shall be
selected from the field of Education, and at least one of whom shall be a
member of the Legislature of that State.” And that the Compact as so
amended is hereby approved.

Resolved further, that this approval shall become effective when eight
or more other states party to the Compact have given legislative approval
to the aforesaid amendment.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29

Giving legislative approval to the admission of the States of Delaware and
West Virginia into the Southern Regional Education Compact entered
into by the State of Virginia and other Southern States; to declare
that, upon ratification of the Compact by the Legislature and approval
by the Governor of Delaware and/or West Virginia, and approval by
the Legislature and by the Governor of the other States party to the
Compact, the States of Delaware and/or West Virginia become party
to said Compact.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 18, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 1, 1956

Whereas, by action of the Legislature and approval of the Governor,
the State of Virginia became party to the Southern Regional Education
Compact with the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Ken-
tucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South
Carolina, Tennessee and Texas on March 11, 1950; and

Whereas, the States of Delaware and West Virginia have indicated
their interest in becoming party to the said Compact; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate of Virginia concurring:

1. That the admission of the States of Delaware and West Virginia
as parties to the Southern Regional Education Compact be approved and
that the States of Delaware and/or West Virginia may become party to
the Compact upon approval of their respective Legislatures and their
respective Governors and upon approval of their admission by the other
States party to the Compact.
1956] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1203

_2. That upon approval of this Resolution the Governor be requested
to sign an engrossed copy of this Resolution for submission to the Southern
Regional Education Board.

3. That this Resolution become effective upon its signing by the
Governor.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 33

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study a system of
withholding State income taxes from wages.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 8, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, February 16, 1956

Whereas, it is alleged that many persons are evading payment of
State income taxes, which evasion could be eliminated by a system of
withholding taxes on such income comparable to the federal system of with-
holding; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
and report upon the advisability and feasibility of establishing a system of
withholding State income taxes from wages and salaries. The Council
shall consider the experience of other states and whether or not such
a system should be adopted in Virginia. The Council shall conclude its
study and make its report to the Governor and General Assembly not
later than October one, nineteen hundred fifty-seven, together with a draft
of such legislation as it deems necessary should it recommend the adoption
of a system of withholding State income taxes.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 39

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study means of
protecting the public against loss caused by financially irresponsible
motorists.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 6, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 9, 1956

Whereas, each year great numbers of the citizens of this State suffer
personal injury, death or property damage through the negligence of
financially irresponsible motorists; and

Whereas, such injury, death or damage imposes severe economic
hardship upon the person or family of such person so injured, killed or
damaged; and

Whereas, ever increasing numbers of motor vehicles on the highways
of this State make it imperative that legislative consideration be given
to means of protecting the public against constantly mounting losses
caused by financially irresponsible motorists; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates of Virginia, the Senate concurring,
That the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to study
and report upon the means by which economic loss occasioned by negligent
operation of motor vehicles by financially irresponsible motorists can
be minimized. The Council shall determine whether proof of financial
responsibility should be made a condition precedent to licensing motor
1204 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA.

vehicles and whether a fund should be created out of which a portion of
such losses shall be paid. The Council shall complete its study and make
its report to the Governor and General Assembly not later than September
one, nineteen hundred fifty-six.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 41

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study and report
upon the method of allocating funds to the primary, secondary and
urban highway systems.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 8, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, many years have elapsed since the establishment of the
present construction districts and formulae for the allocation of highway
revenues to the primary, secondary and urban highway systems, and since
the establishment of such districts and formulae changes have come about
in the patterns of traffic upon our highways and in the distribution of
federal funds for highway purposes; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study and
report upon the present construction districts and method of allocating
highway revenues to the primary, secondary and urban systems of high-
ways and any other matters related to the distribution of such funds that
may be helpful in arriving at proper representation on the State Highway
Commission, the necessary districts and formulae based upon present con-
ditions and making certain that we not only receive full value for highway
funds expended but that the money be applied insofar as possible to the
highways most in need. Appropriate agencies of the State shall assist the
Council in its study and the Council may employ such consultants and assist-
ance as it may require. The Council shall undertake this study as soon as
practicable after the adjournment sine die of this session of the General
Assembly and complete the study and make its report to the Governor and
the General Assembly not later than September one, nineteen hundred
fifty-six. The expense of such study shall be paid from the funds appro-
priated to the State Highway Department.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 42

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study and report on
uniformity of charter powers for cities and towns.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 5, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 1956

Whereas, there are introduced at each session of the General As-
sembly many bills providing for charters or amendments to charters of
cities and towns of the Commonwealth, thus occupying the time and at-
tention of the General Assembly during a considerable portion of the
session; and

Whereas, each such charter contains a lengthy enumeration of the
specific powers and duties of the town or city; and
1956] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1205

Whereas, the essential powers and duties inherent in municipal ad-
ministration are basically alike in all cities and towns of the Common-
wealth; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study and
report to the Governor and General Assembly not later than November
one, nineteen hundred fifty-seven with drafts of proposed legislation to
give effect to its recommendations. The Council is directed to consider the
advisability of providing uniform charter powers for all cities and towns
and to further consider the advisability and practicability of general legis-
lation granting broader general powers to and imposing uniform duties
upon the governing bodies of municipalities throughout the Common-
wealth.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 46

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the per-
missive consolidation of certain local governments, their officials,
functions or offices.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 5, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 7, 1956

Whereas, it is possible that great economies can be achieved by the
consolidation, on a voluntary basis, of two or more localities, or of the
officials, functions, or offices of two or more localities without consolidation
of the localities; and

Whereas, it is advisable to explore the feasibility of permitting such
voluntary consolidation ;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate
concurring, That the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to
study the feasibility of, and, if feasible, to recommend, a plan for dividing
the localities of the State into groups of localities and methods by which
any two or more localities within a group might consolidate themselves, or
without so consolidating themselves, consolidate any one or more of their
officials, functions or offices. The Council shall make its report to the
Governor and the General Assembly not later than November 1, 1957.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 49

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study and
report upon the laivs relating to drugs.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 5, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 1956

Whereas, many of the statutes relating to drugs are confusing and
contradictory, and discrepancies exist between the provisions in the State
and federal laws relating to the dispensing thereof; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
and report upon the statutes concerning the handling and dispensing of
drugs. The Council shall consider which statutes are old, obsolete or con-
tradictory and which of them should be repealed. It shall coordinate the
1206 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA.

State and federal laws relating to the handling and dispensing of drugs.
All agencies of the State shall assist the Council in its study.
The Council shall conclude its study and make its report to the Gover-
nar and General Assembly not later than September one, nineteen hundred
y-seven.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 54

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to Study Water Re-
sources.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 5, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 1956

Whereas, water is one of the most important natural resources of the
Commonwealth and vital to its development; and

Whereas, the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council, pursuant to direc-
tion of the General Assembly, has been studying the use of this important
resource and has accumulated considerable data on the supply of water and
its use, which data should be further studied with a view to the preparation
of appropriate legislation relative to the conservation of surface water and
how the same may be used in the wisest manner; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to continue its study of
the State’s water resources and the proper development and use thereof.
All agencies of the State shall assist the Council in its study. The Council
shall conclude its study and make its report to the Governor and General
Assembly not later than October 1, 1957, and shall accompany such report
with such proposed legislation as it deems appropriate.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 60

Providing for an investigation of Southwestern State Hospital and related
matters.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 15, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 1956

Be it resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that:

1. The Governor of Virginia is requested to make a thorough investi-
gation of the cattle operation and other matters involving the handling of
funds at Southwestern State Hospital;

2. Should the foregoing investigation disclose probable irregularities
within the Department of Mental Hygiene and Hospitals or at any of the
other institutions under its jurisdiction, or matters indicating a lack of
competent administration by the said department and/or the State Hospital
Board, that the investigation be extended to embrace the institutions af-
fected, the entire department and/or the board, as the case may be; and

8. The Governor is requested to take the necessary action to correct
the situation, and to make report of his findings and action to the Assembly
as early as possible.
Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the statutes
concerning, and the operations of, housing authorities.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 5, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 9, 1956

Whereas, the Housing Authorities Law was adopted nearly twenty
years ago, since which time changes have occurred in economic conditions
and housing authorities have also had the benefit of considerable experi-
ence in operating under said Law; and

Whereas, it appears desirable that the statutes relating to housing
authorities and their operations within the Commonwealth should be
reexamined in the light of such changed conditions and experience; now,
therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates of Virginia, the Senate concurring,
That the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study
of the operations of housing authorities within this State, including the
statues under which they are created and operate, and any other matters
which the Council deems relevant. All agencies and political subdivisions
of the State are directed to cooperate within the Council upon request.
The Council shall conclude its study and make a report containing its
findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly not
later than October 1, 1957.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 65

Directing a study of the advisability and practicability of adapting certain
business procedures to operations of State departments and agencies.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, the several State departments, agencies and institutions are
spending annually in excess of one hundred million dollars; and

Whereas, the demands for public funds for these agencies are mount-
ing ever higher notwithstanding the fact that each session of the General
Assembly furnishes them with ever larger funds; and

Whereas, instances have occurred in which the use of business pro-
cedures by these State agencies would have precluded or reduced the loss
»f public funds arising from unsound practices; and, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the
Auditing Committee of the General Assembly and its chief auditor, the
Auditor of Public Accounts, are hereby directed to make a study and
report upon the operations of the several agencies and institutions of the
State with a view to determining (a) the extent to which they are employ-
ng business procedures and practices to reduce costs of operation, (b)
he extent to which they can adopt business procedures and operations
o reduce the cost of the services which they are providing, and (c) the
nodifications, if any, which are required in the statutes of this State to
nake it possible for State agencies and institutions to adopt and make
ise of business procedures to promote economy and efficiency. All agencies
nd institutions of the State shall assist the Committee and Auditor upon
heir request and they shall furnish or assign such employees as the
1208 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA.

Committee and Auditor may require and furnish such information as

may be necessary in the opinion of the Committee and Auditor. The

Committee and Auditor shall conclude their study and make its report to

the Governor and General Assembly not later than November one, nine-

teen hundred fifty-seven. The expenses of the Committee and Auditor

ae hereto shall be paid from the contingent fund of the General
sembly.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 69

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study of the
provisions and procedures pertaining to the issuance of bonds by
political subdivisions and agencies of this State.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 5, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 1956

Whereas, many political subdivisions and many agencies of this State
have issued bonds to finance varying projects; and

Whereas, the laws controlling the issuance and sale of such bonds
vary with each individual agency or political subdivision; and .

Whereas, due to the varying procedures used by different agencies
and political subdivisions, general confusion results all over the State as
to the sale of bonds; and

Whereas, it might be practicable to adopt uniform laws in the State
controlling the issuance and sale of the bonds of political subdivisions and
various State agencies; now therefore be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates of Virginia, the Senate concurring,
That the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council be, and hereby is, directed
to make a study and report on the need in this State for standardized
procedures for the issuance and sale of bonds by political subdivisions
and agencies of this State with the view of eliminating confusion in this
field. If the Council should find such standardized procedures to be
desirable, it shall prepare drafts of such legislation as may be necessary
to accomplish this purpose for all future bond issues in this State.

The Council shall complete its study and make its report to the
Governor and the General Assembly not later than October one, nineteen
hundred fifty-seven. All agencies and political subdivisions in this State
are requested to assist the Council in this undertaking.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 72

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study certain
matters relating to the game laws.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, questions have arisen as to the application and effect of
puna provisions of Title 29 of the Code which relate to game; now, there-
‘ore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study and re-
port thereon of the provisions of law relating to the hunting of water fowl
1956] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1209

on the James River. All agencies of the State shall assist the Council

in its study. The Council shall hold such hearings as it deems appropriate.

The Council shall conclude its study and make its report to the Governor

he General Assembly not later than September one, nineteen hundred
y-seven.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 76

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study matters
relating to the retirement of teachers and State employees and sick
leave for teachers.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, as amended, March 9, 1956

Whereas, questions have arisen concerning the years of service re-
quired and the age of retirement applicable to State employees and teachers
in the public free schools and the matter of such teachers being permitted
to accumulate their sick leave; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
and report upon the following matters:

(a) The advisability of lowering the retirement age for State em-
ployees and teachers in the public free schools and the number of years of
service which should be required in connection therewith;

(b) Whether teachers in the public free schools should be permitted
to accumulate their sick leave, and if so, the procedure therefor.

All agencies of the State shall assist the Council in its study. The
Council shall conclude its study and make its report to the Governor and
General Assembly not later than September one, nineteen hundred fifty-
seven.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 89

Requesting the Virginia State Bar and the Virginia State Bar Association
to make certain studies and reports.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 8, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, certain matters have been offered for consideration by the
1956 session of the General Assembly of Virginia and it seems that the
two bar associations might properly be requested to make studies and
reports thereon; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia State Bar and the Virginia State Bar Association are respect-
fully requested to make a study of the following matters and report
thereon to the committees on Courts of Justice of the House of Delegates
and Senate prior to the next regular session of the General Assembly :

(1) The subject matter of House Bills 4 and 449.

(2) Whether insanity shall constitute one of the grounds for divorce
and, if so, the safeguards to surround the same.

(3) Whether court appointed counsel in capital cases should receive
greater compensation for their services and, if so, the amount thereof.
(4) Whether the words “intent to defraud” should be eliminated from
the statutes on attachments.

(5) Whether divorce proceedings instituted in a court of record
should be referred to a special commissioner and, if so, the matters upon
which he should be required to report.

(6) Whether a system of court reporters should be provided by the
Commonwealth in all courts of record and the means whereby this might
be accomplished.

(7) Whether the court in the divorce proceedings pending before it
should have the right to make an equitable division of real estate held,
by the parties thereto, as tenants by the entireties.

(8) Whether parents should be made liable for wanton or malicious
damage done by their children.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 90

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study and
report upon the compensation and expenses payable to members of the
General Assembly.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 5, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 1956

Whereas, the compensation and expenses to the members of the Gen-
eral Assembly have not been increased since the Session of 1952, despite
the fact that prices in general have risen substantially; and

Whereas, the session of the General Assembly in 1960 will be the
first session at which legislation making any change in the compensation
of the members of the General Assembly can become fully effective ; and

Whereas, the problems confronting the General Assembly have in-
creased in number and magnitude with the result that sessions are quite
likely to be more numerous and last longer; and

Whereas, members of the General Assembly are ever more frequently
required to come to Richmond or go to other places upon business of their
constituents by virtue of their membership in the General Assembly and
without compensation from any source; and

Whereas, it is desirable that a report be made to the General Assembly
in 1958 upon the matters set forth above, now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
and report upon the compensation and expenses payable to members of
the General Assembly. Such study shall include consideration of the follow-
ing matters:

(a) Whether the basic compensation payable should be increased,

(b) Whether provision should be made for a basic daily compensation
for special sessions with such compensation to terminate at the expiration
thereof rather than being payable for a longer period,

(c) Whether the basic compensation of the General Assembly should
remain the same with provision being made for payment of certain ex-
penses incident to living in Richmond by those who maintain residences
elsewhere,

(d) Whether mileage to and from Richmond and the respective places
of residence should be allowed the members more than once for each session
of the General Assembly,

(e) Whether members of the General Assembly required to come to
Richmond upon business of their constituents by virtue of their membership
1956) ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1211

in the General Assembly should be compensated for their expenses incident
thereto and the manner in which the same might be provided,

(f) Such other matters as the Council deems appropriate in relation
to the foregoing.

The Council shall conclude its study and make its report to the Gover-
nor and General Assembly not later than November fifteen, nineteen
hundred fifty-seven.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 91

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the means
whereby officers of the Commonwealth and of the counties, cities and
towns thereof, and their deputies, assistants and employees, who are
not eligible for membership in the Virginia Supplemental Retirement
System or in the retirement system of any county, city or town, and
who are excluded from the coverage of The Virginia Workmen’s Com-
pensation Act, can be provided with retirement benefits and coverage
under the Virginia Workmen’s Compensation Act.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 5, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, there are officers of the Commonwealth and of the counties,
cities and towns of the Commonwealth and deputies, assistants and em-
ployees of such officers who are compensated for their services wholly by
the Commonwealth or partly by the Commonwealth and partly by the
counties, cities and towns and who are not eligible for membership in the
Virginia Supplemental Retirement System or in the retirement system of
any county, city or town, and who are excluded from the coverage of the
Virginia Workmen’s Compensation Act; and

Whereas, a means should be provided for the retirement of such
officers under some retirement benefit plan and they should be covered
under the Virginia Workmen’s Compensation Act; therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate of Virginia concurring:
That the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study
of the means whereby such officers, deputies, assistants and employees
can be provided with benefits upon retirement in the same general manner
as is provided for the retirement of other officers and employees of the
Commonwealth or of the counties, cities and towns having retirement sys-
tems and to make a study of the means whereby such officers, deputies and
employees can be covered under the Virginia Workmen’s Compensation Act.
The Council shall complete its studies and make a report containing its find-
ings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly not later
than October one, nineteen hundred fifty-seven.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 98

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the advisa-
bility of the State acting as a self-insurer in relation to its properties.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, the State has millions of dollars invested in structures and
1212 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA.

buildings of various kinds which, in the great majority of cases, are highly
fire resistant; and

Whereas, large sums are expended by the State in insuring these prop-
erties and it might be possible for the State to act as a self-insurer on these
risks thereby saving large sums; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study and
report upon the advisability of the State becoming a self-insurer in relation
to its properties. The Council shall consider the experience of other states
concerning self-insurance. All agencies of the State shall assist the Council
in its study. The Council shall conclude its study and make its report to the
Governor and General Assembly not later than November one, nineteen
hundred fifty-seven.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 99

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the State
meat inspection service.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 8, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, the General Assembly in 1954 provided for the inspection of
meat by the State Department of Health and it is desirable that this
ys should be examined in the light of experience; now, therefore, be
i

Resolved by the House of Delegates of Virginia, the Senate concurring,
that the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to study the
State meat inspection service, its value to the health and welfare of the
State and its citizens, and the burdens, if any, which it imposes financially
upon the public and those dealing in meat.

All agencies of the State shall assist the Council, upon request, in its
study. The Council shall complete its study and make a report containing
its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembl
not later than September one nineteen hundred fifty-seven. .

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 100

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study laws re-
lating to eminent domain.

Agreed to by the Houes of Delegates, March 8, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, the statutes of Virginia relating to the exercise of eminent
domain have not been revised for many years and there have been adopted
many special laws, provisions, and exceptions to the general statutes
which are in some cases confusing and in others contradictory ; and

Whereas, the use of such right by the agencies and subdivisions of the
Commonwealth, counties, cities, public authorities and public service cor-
porations is increasing; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study of all
general and special laws relating to the exercise of the right of eminent
1956] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1213

domain and to recommend revisions thereof. Tentative drafts of pro-
posed revisions shall be printed and circulated among interested persons
and their comments solicited.

The Council shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly,
on or before October 1, 1957, a report of its recommendations, together
mm suggested legislation necessary to carry such recommendations into
effect.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 107

Requesting the State Department of Highways to investigate the feasibility
of issuing special student commutation booklets.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the
State Department of Highways is requested to investigate the feasibility
of issuing special student commutation booklets under the terms of the
State Revenue Bond Act and the indentures issued in pursuance thereof.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3

Interposing the sovereignty of Virginia against encroachment upon the
reserved powers of this State, and appealing to sister states to resolve
a question of contested power.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 1, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 1, 1956

Be it resolved by the Senate of Virginia, the House of Delegates
concurring,

That the General Assembly of Virginia expresses its firm resolution
to maintain and to defend the Constitution of the United States, and the
Constitution of this State, against every attempt, whether foreign or
domestic, to undermine the dual structure of this Union, and to destroy
those fundamental principles embodied in our basic law, by which the dele-
gated powers of the Federal government and the reserved powers of the
respective States have long been protected and assured;

That this Assembly explicitly declares that the powers of the Federal
Government result solely from the compact to which the States are parties,
and that the powers of the Federal Government, in all its branches and
agencies, are limited by the terms of the instrument creating the compact,
and by the plain sense and intention of its provisions;

That the terms of this basic compact, and its plain sense and in-
tention, apparent upon the face of the instrument, are that the ratifying
States, parties thereto, have agreed voluntarily to delegate certain of
their sovereign powers, but only those sovereign powers specifically enum-
erated, to a Federal Government thus constituted; and that all powers
not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by
it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people;

That this basic compact may be validly amended in one way, and in
one way only, and that is by ratification of a proposed amendment by the
legislatures of not fewer than three-fourths of the States, pursuant to
1214 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA.

Article V of the Constitution, and that the judicial power extended to
the Supreme Court of the United States to “all cases in law and equity
arising under this Constitution” vested no authority in the court in effect
to amend the Constitution ;

That by its decision of May 17, 1954, in the school cases, the Supreme
Court of the United States placed upon the Constitution an interpretation,
having the effect of an amendment thereto, which interpretation Virginia
emphatically disapproves;

That the State of Virginia did not agree, in ratifying the Fourteenth
Amendment, nor did other States ratifying the Fourteenth Amendment
agree, that the power to operate racially separate schools was to be pro-
hibited to them thereby; and as evidence of such understanding of the
terms of the amendment, and its plain sense and intention, the General
Assembly of Virginia notes that the very Congress which proposed the
Fourteenth Amendment for ratification established separate schools in the
District of Columbia; further, the Assembly notes that in many instances,
the same State Legislatures that ratified the Fourteenth Amendment also
provided for systems of separate public schools; and still further, the
Assembly notes that both State and Federal courts, without any exception,
recognized and approved this clear understanding over a long period of
years and held repeatedly that the power to operate such schools was,
indeed, a power reserved to the States to exercise “without intervention
of the Federal courts under the Federal Constitution”; the Assembly sub-
mits that it relied upon this understanding in establishing and developing,
at great sacrifice on the part of the citizens of Virginia, a school system that
would not have been so established and developed had the understanding
been otherwise; and this Assembly submits that this legislative history
and long judicial construction entitle it still to believe that the power
to operate separate schools, provided only that such schools are sub-
stantially equal, is a power reserved to this State until the power be pro-
hibited to the States by clear amendment of the Constitution;

That with the Supreme Court’s decision aforesaid and this resolution
by the General Assembly of Virginia, a question of contested power has
arisen: The court asserts, for its part, that the States did, in fact, in 1868,
prohibit unto themselves, by means of the Fourteenth Amendment, the
power to maintain racially separate public schools, which power certain
of the States have exercised daily for more than 80 years; the State of
Virginia, for her part, asserts that she has never surrendered such power;

That this declaration upon the part of the Supreme Court of the
United States constitutes a deliberate, palpable, and dangerous attempt
by the court itself to usurp the amendatory power that lies solely with
not fewer than three-fourths of the States;

That the General Assembly of Virginia, mindful of the resolution
it adopted on December 21, 1798, and cognizant of similar resolutions
adopted on like occasions in other States, both North and South, again
asserts this fundamental principle: That whenever the Federal Govern-
ment attempts the deliberate, palpable, and dangerous exercise of powers
not granted it, the States who are parties to the compact have the right,
and are in duty bound, to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil,
and for preserving the authorities, rights and liberties appertaining to them;

That failure on the part of this State thus to assert her clearly
reserved powers would be construed as tacit consent to the surrender
thereof; and that such submissive acquiescence to palpable, deliberate and
dangerous encroachment upon one power would in the end lead to the
surrender of all powers, and inevitably to the obliteration of the sovereignty
of the States, contrary to the sacred compact by which this Union of
States was created;
That in times past, Virginia has remained silent—we have remained
too long silent !—against interpretations and constructions placed upon the
Constitution which seemed to many citizens of Virginia palpable encroach-
ments upon the reserved powers of the States and willful usurpations of
powers never delegated to our Federal Government; we have watched
with growing concern as the power delegated to the Congress to regulate
commerce among the several States has been stretched into a power to
control local enterprises remote from interstate commerce; we have wit-
nessed with disquietude the advancing tendency to read into a power to
lay taxes for the general welfare a power to confiscate the earnings of our
people for purposes unrelated to the general welfare as we conceive it; we
have been dismayed at judicial decrees permitting private property to
be taken for uses that plainly are not public uses; we are disturbed at the
effort now afoot to distort the power to provide for the common defense, by
some Fabian alchemy, into a power to build local schoolhouses ;

That Virginia, anxiously concerned at this massive expansion of central
authority, nevertheless has reserved her right to interpose against the
progress of these evils in the hope that time would ameliorate the trans-
gressions; now, however, in a matter so gravely affecting this State’s
most vital public institutions, Virginia can remain silent no longer.
Recognizing, as this Assembly does, the prospect of incalculable harm to
the public schools of this State and the disruption of the education of
her children, Virginia is in duty bound to interpose against these most
serious consequences, and earnestly to challenge the usurped authority
that would inflict them upon her citizens.

THEREFORE, the General Assembly of Virginia, appealing to our
Creator as Virginia appealed to Him for Divine Guidance when on June 29,
1776, our people established a Free and Independent State, now appeals
to her sister States for that decision which only they are qualified under
our mutual compact to make, and respectfully requests them to join her in
taking appropriate steps, pursuant to Article V of the Constitution, by
which an amendment, designed to settle the issue of contested power here
asserted, may be proposed to all the States.

And be it finally resolved, that until the question here asserted by the
State of Virginia be settled by clear Constitutional amendment, we pledge
our firm intention to take all appropriate measures honorably, legally and
constitutionally available to us, to resist this illegal encroachment upon
our sovereign powers, and to urge upon our sister States, whose author-
ity over their own most cherished powers may next be imperiled, their
prompt and deliberate efforts to check this and further encroachment
by the Supreme Court, through judicial legislation, upon the reserved
powers of the States.

The Governor is requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolu-
tion to the governing bodies of every county, city and town in this State;
to the executive authority of each of the other States; to the clerk of the
Senate and House of Representatives of the United States; to Virginia’s
representatives and Senators in the Congress, and to the President and
the Supreme Court of the United States for their information.
Continuing the Rochambeau Commission and prescribing its powers.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 16, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 1956

Whereas, the General Assembly by Senate Joint Resolution No. 33
adopted at the 1952 regular session, created the Rochambeau Commission,
which was charged with the duty of making arrangements for the mark-
ing of the route followed by the French troops under the command of
Lieutenant General Jean-Baptiste Donatien De Vimeur, Compte de Ro-
chambeau, from Newport, Rhode Island, to join the other forces of General
Washington in the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, and directed it to arrange
with other states through which the Rochambeau Route passes for a
celebration of the anniversary of the march of the Rochambeau forces
which Commission was continued by the General Assembly of 1954 by
Senate Joint Resolution No. 26; and

Whereas, the Rochambeau Commission has been in touch with repre-
sentatives from other states through which General Rochambeau passed
and has reported that the project has met with enthusiastic response in
these other states and that leaders of the State and Nation have ex-
pressed favorable interest in the proposal, particularly since it recognizes
the significant assistance furnished by our French allies in the struggle
for our national independence; and

Whereas, the cooperation between the several interested states will
continue and will benefit the cause of disseminating Virginia historical
pas e other states without expense to the Commonwealth; now, there-
ore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of Virginia, the House of Delegates concur-
ring, That the Rochambeau Commission, composed by five citizens to be
appointed by the Governor, is hereby continued. The Commission may
continue to cooperate with similar groups in other states celebrating and
memorializing the march of the Rochambeau forces to the Battle of York-

wn.
The Commission shall report to the General Assembly of 1958 con-
cerning its activities in carrying out its assignment.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study matters per-
taining to the peaceful uses of atomic energy.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 2, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 8, 1956

Whereas, the development of atomic energy appears to be increasing
and industrial establishments for such purposes have been located in this

; an

Whereas, this State should be prepared to take such measures in re-
lation to the development and legislation of the peaceful uses of atomic
energy as circumstances may require; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study and
report upon the development and utilization of atomic energy for peace-
ful purposes and what legislation, if any, is necessary to encourage partici-
1956] | ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1217

pation in the development and utilization of atomic energy for peaceful

purposes to the maximum extent consistent with security and the health

and safety of the public. All agencies of the State shall assist the Council

in its study. The Council shall consider legislation enacted and measures

adopted in other states. The Council shall complete its study and make

“ha rere he the Governor and General Assembly not later than Septem-
ri, .

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study and
report upon the licensing of physical therapists, and other groups.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 10, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 7, 1956

Whereas, physical therapists assist the medical profession in the
treatment of various disorders; and

Whereas, there are other groups which likewise assist the medical
profession in such treatment; and

Whereas, certain of these groups which assist the medical profession
are examined, licensed and regulated in various States; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
and report upon the licensing of physical therapists and such other groups
which are allied to the medical profession as the Council deems appropriate.
All agencies of the State shall assist the Council in its study. The Council
shall consider practices in other States. The Council shall conclude its
study and make its report to the Governor and General Assembly not later
than October 1, 1957. The report of the Council shall include the recom-
mendations of the Council as to what groups, if any, which assist the
medical profession and are not now licensed and examined, should be
examined, licensed and regulated.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study and report
upon the method of allocating funds to the primary, secondary and
urban highway systems.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, with amendment, March 10, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, as amended, March 10, 1956

Whereas, many years have elapsed since the establishment of the
present construction districts and formulae for the allocation of highway
revenues to the primary, secondary and urban highway systems, and
since the establishment of such districts and formulae changes have come
about in the patterns of traffic upon our highways, and in the distribution
of federal funds for highway purposes; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study and
report upon the present construction districts and method of allocating
highway revenues to the primary, secondary and urban systems of high-
ways, the costs of right of way acquisition and of moving structures,
1218 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA.

and any other matters related to the distribution of such funds that may
be helpful in arriving at proper representation on the State Highway
Commission, the necessary districts and formulae based upon present
conditions and making certain that we not only receive full value for
highway funds expended but that the money be applied in so far as
possible to the highways most in need. Appropriate agencies of the State
shall assist the Council in its study and the Council may employ such
consultants and assistance as it may require. The Council shall undertake
this study as soon as practicable after the adjournment sine die of this
session of the General Assembly and complete the study and make its
report to the Governor and the General Assembly not later than September
one, nineteen hundred fifty-six. ‘The expenses of such study shall be paid
from the appropriations to the State Highway Department.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18

To provide for the continuation of the joint commission to consider matters
relating to passenger carrier facilities in the Washington metropolitian
area.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 16, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 8, 1956

Whereas, the joint commission established by House Joint Resolution
No. 77 of the 1954 General Assembly and similar enactments of the gov-
erning bodies of the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia has
begun the study thereby directed and has submitted to the General As-
sembly of Virginia an interim report covering certain phases of the matter
under consideration, and it is desirable that this study be continued and
brought to its conclusion; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of Virginia, the House of Delegates concurring,
that the members of the commission appointed, under House Joint Reso-
lution No. 77, 1954 General Assembly, are continued in office, who, together
with representatives of the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia
shall constitute a joint commission to continue the study of the adequacy
of present passenger carrier facilities services in the Washington metro-
politan area and the rates charged for such services, and whether joint
action by the State of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Com-
monwealth of Virginia is necessary or desirable in connection with the
regulation of passenger carrier facilities operating in such area and the
provision of adequate, nondiscriminatory and uniform service therein. The
members of the commission shall make reports containing their findings
and recommendations to the respective bodies to represent which they are
appointed.

Resolved, further, that the Clerk of the Senate is directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the governing bodies of the State of Maryland
and the District of Columbia, requesting their concurrence in the action
of the General Assembly of Virginia.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study of
the question of the employment of physicians and other practitioners
of the healing arts by hospitals and institutions, and the relationship
Whereas, doubt and misunderstanding has arisen as.to the respective
functions, duties and responsibilities of hospitals, institutions and other
lay agencies on the one hand, and licensed practitioners of the healing
arts who practice therein on the other, particularly those physicians who
serve in such hospitals and institutions under employment or other con-
tracts and render special services to patients in such hospitals or institu-
tions, and

Whereas, the problem is one which is under study in many other States,
and it seems the part of wisdom that before attempting to solve it by legis-
lation, the General Assembly should have the benefit of a careful study
and report thereon; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study and re-
port upon the hospital-physician relationship existing in the hospitals, in-
stitutions and state and local departments and agencies in the State, and
particularly the relationship created through employment and other con-
tracts under which certain physicians furnish patients in hospitals and
other institutions and agencies with pathological, radiological and other
special medical services. The Council shall consider the adequacy of the
present statutes to deal with the situation, and shall recommend such legis-
lation as it deems necessary to clarify and settle this problem. Appro-
priate agencies of the State shall assist the Council in its study, and the
Council may obtain such assistance as it may require. The Council shall
conclude its study and make its report to the Governor and the General
Assembly not later than September 1, 1957.

Resolved further that, pending this study and report, it is the sense
of the General Assembly that all State agencies and institutions in which
a hospital-physician relationship exists, are directed to continue operating
in the same practice, manner and method as they have in the past, any-
thing in Chapter 12 of Title 54 of the Code of Virginia to the contrary
notwithstanding.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20

Creating a commission to study the fluoridation of public water supplies.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956

Whereas, differences of opinion exist as to the advantages and
disadvantages of fluorine in public water supply; now, therefore be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That a
commission is hereby created to make a study and report upon the fluori-
dation of public water supply and the advantages and disadvantages inci-
dent thereto. All agencies of the State shall assist the Commission. The
Commission shall conclude its study and make its report to the Governor
and the General Assembly not later than September one, nineteen hundred
fifty-seven.

The Commission shall consist of seven members, two of whom shall
ye appointed by the President of the Senate from the membership thereof ;
1220 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA.

three of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates
from the membership thereof; and two of whom shall be appointed by the
Governor from the State at large.

The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation but
shall be reimbursed their necessary expenses while engaged in the business
: aoe Commission, to be paid out of the contingent fund of the General

embly.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 21

Providing for a study of the feasibility and advisability of establishing an
airport authority for the State of Virginia.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 24, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 7, 1956

Whereas, phenomenal advances have been and are being made in the
development of aircraft and air transportation, and

Whereas, the need for and use of air transportation and the facilities
therefor in this Commonwealth have increased substantially, and it appears
tai the rate of such increase in the immediate future will be accelerated,
an

Whereas, it appears that there now exists in the Commonwealth a
deficiency in airport facilities, which deficiency promises to become in-
creasingly acute, and

Whereas, it appears desirable to consider the establishment of an air-
port authority to meet the growing needs of this Commonwealth for addi-
tional airport facilities to enable this Commonwealth to assume and main-
tain its rightful and proper place in the field of air transportation; now,
therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of Virginia, the House of Delegates concurring,
That there be, and hereby is, created and established a special commission,
to be known as the Airport Facilities Study Commission, to make a study
and report upon the following matters:

(1) The feasibility and advisability of establishing an airport au-
thority for the State of Virginia, with some or all of the following powers:

(a) To acquire, operate and construct such airports, air terminals,
and air terminal and air navigation facilities as may be required to assure
that the air transportation needs of Virginia are adequately served ;

(b) To negotiate and enter into agreements with the United States,
the State of Virginia or any of its political subdivisions, and any person,
firm, or corporation for the acquisition by and transfer to it of property
required to carry out its purposes;

(c) To accept gifts of money and property which may be used for its
proper purposes from the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia
or any of its political subdivisions, and from any person, firm or corpora-

ion ;

(d) To borrow money and secure the repayment of the same by
pledge of its properties and income, and to issue revenue bonds, without
obligating the Commonwealth of Virginia or any of its political subdivisions

erefor;

(e) To sue and be sued; to adopt a seal and alter the same at pleasure;
to have perpetual succession; and to make and execute contracts and other
instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers;

(f) To employ such technical experts and such other officers, agents
and employees as it may require, and to fix their qualifications and duties,
and their compensation within the limits of available funds;
1956] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1221

(g) To acquire, establish, construct, enlarge, improve, maintain,
equip, operate, and regulate the use of any airports, air landing fields,
structures, air navigation facilities and other property incidental thereto;

(h) To construct, install, maintain and operate facilities for the serv-
icing of aircraft and for the accommodation of cargo, freight, mail, express,
ete., and comfort of air travelers, and to purchase and sell equipment and
supplies as an incident to the operation of its airport facilities ;

(i) To determine rates and charges for the use of its airport and
other facilities;

(j) To enforce all rules, regulations and statutes relating to its air-
ports, including airport zoning regulations;

(k) To exercise such powers and authority with respect to airports
and air navigation facilities as may be conferred by law upon the governing
bodies of the counties and cities of the Commonwealth;

(1) To make and enforce rules and regulations for the management
and regulation of its business and affairs and for the use, maintenance
and operation of its facilities and properties;

(m) To engage directly or through its agents or employees in the
operation for profit of concessions in connection with its airports and other
facilities, including the sale of airplanes and aircraft fuel, or to grant such
privileges and concessions to others;

(n) To have sole authority to exercise its powers and be responsible
for its actions, to the end that neither the State of Virginia nor other
political subdivisions thereof shall incur liability for any actions of the
airport authority;

(o) Such other powers as may be appropriate and necessary for the
carrying out of the purposes of this resolution.

(2) Whether there now resides with the State Corporation Commis-
sion sufficient authority to meet the demonstrated present and prospective
needs of air transportation within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Commission shall be composed of eleven members, of whom one
shall be appointed by the State Corporation Commission from its own
membership, three shall be appointed from the Senate by the President
thereof, four shall be appointed from the House of Delegates by the
Speaker thereof, and three shall be appointed from the State at large by
the Governor, who shall designate some member of the Commission as
ehairman thereof.

The State Corporation Commission shall cooperate with the Airport
facilities Study Commission and furnish it with such data and assistance
is it may require. In providing such cooperation and assistance, the State
Yorporation Commission is specifically authorized and requested to make
uch expenditures as may reasonably be required out of any funds which
nay now or hereafter be available to it for the promotion of aviation and
he administration of the aviation laws of the Commonwealth.

The Commission shall complete its study and make its report to the
rovernor and General Assembly as soon as may be, but not later than
he first day of July, nineteen hundred fifty-six.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 24
Creating a Commission to study industrial development.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 27, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 7, 1956

Whereas, a properly balanced program of industrial development
yould be of benefit to all citizens of the State; now, therefore, be it
1222 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA.

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That
there is hereby created a Commission to be known as the Industrial De-
velopment Study Commission. The Commission shall consist of not less than
twelve nor more than eighteen members appointed by the Governor and
appointments may be made from the membership of the General Assembly.
Members of the Commission shall be reimbursed their expenses incurred
in the performance of their duties but shall be paid no other compensa-
tion. The Division of Planning and Economic Development shall provide
such secretarial and other service to the Commission as it may reasonably
require.

Appointments to the Commission shall be made from persons who
have been successful in the fields of commerce, business and industry and
related callings and professions. The members of the Commission shall
be citizens of the State, selected without regard to political affiliation, and
all appointments shall be of such nature as to aid the work of the Com-
mission and to inspire the highest degree of cooperation and confidence
in the performance of the duties with which it is charged. Appointments
to the Commission shall give due representation to, but shall not be limited
to, the fields of banking, retailing, wholesaling, transportation including
railroads, truck lines and other forms of public carriers, manufacturing,
public service companies, and corporations, associations and organizations
resto and engaged in promoting the industrial development of the

tate.

The Commission shall have the following duties:

(a) Consideration of the present programs under the guidance of the
Department of Conservation and Development for the industrial develop-
ment of the State.

(b) Consideration of the general, nonconfidential programs of private
groups, trade organizations and business firms for industrial development
in the State.

(c) Consideration of the effect industrial development may have upon
tax programs of the State and its political subdivisions.

(d) Consideration of all programs and policies of the State and its
political subdivisions as they relate to and affect industrial development.

(e) Consideration of how the office of the Governor might best assist
in facilitating the industrial development of the State and further the work
of the Commission.

(f) Consideration of methods for coordinating State, local and private
programs for industrial development and for providing a clearinghouse
for information on activities relating to industrial development in the State.

(g) Consideration of such other matters as the Commission deems
appropriate to facilitate an orderly industrial development of the State.

The Commission shall on or before November one, nineteen hundred

fifty-seven make a report to the Governor and General Assembly as to the
results of its consideration of the matters set forth herein and shall include
in its report recommendations as to what action the State might take to
improve the economic well being of the State through orderly industrial
development.
2. There is hereby appropriated out of the contingent fund of the General
Assembly to the Division of Planning and Economic Development of the
Department of Conservation and Development for the purposes set forth
hereinabove and for the reimbursement of members of the Committee for
their expenses incurred in the performance of their duties the sum of
ten thousand dollars.
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28

Creating a commission to study problems of the aging
Agreed to by the Senate, February 29, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 1956

Whereas, the number of persons 65 years of age and over in the
Commonwealth (amounting to 10 per cent of the population in some locali-
ties) has grown enormously—from 98,000 in 1920 to 240,000 in 1955—an
increase of 120 per cent as compared with 40 per cent for the total popula-
tion; and

Whereas, it is estimated there will be 300,000 persons 65 and over
by 1960 of whom more than half will live in urban areas, about one-fourth
in small towns, and less than one-fourth in rural areas; and

Whereas, our older citizens possess great potentials of social and
economic value to themselves, their communities and the Commonwealth
and are entitled, in their advancing years, to healthful living and to oppor-
tunities for continuing beneficial, useful, and satisfying activity; and

Whereas, numerous organizations, agencies and institutions—public
and private—interested in the well-being of our older men and women have
urgent need for the best possible information to guide them in adapting
a variety of programs and services that work to prevent dependency and
to ameliorate hardship for an ever enlarging number of older citizens; and

Whereas, there is need to focus public attention on the problem of
our aging population and to stimulate and coordinate effective work in this
field; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That there
is hereby created a Commission on the Aging. The Commission shall con-
sist of nine members, one of whom shall be appointed from the membership
of the Senate by the President thereof, one shall be appointed from the
membership of the House of Delegates by the Speaker thereof and seven
shall be appointed by the Governor from the State at large. The Com-
mission shall make an extensive examination of the problems and potentials
of our aging population and report upon the present and future needs of
our older citizens with respect to such matters as employment, retirement,
economic maintenance, housing and living arrangements, health and re-
habilitation, education, recreation, personal adjustment, research and other
matters as in its judgment are pertinent to the subject. The Commission
shall consider existing programs and services of the State that may be
affected by an aging population with a view to offering concrete sugges-
tions for a long-range plan to coordinate and improve State-wide programs
as well as to encourage and assist the development of local programs.

All agencies of the State shall assist the Commission in its study.
The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their
services, but shall be paid their necessary expenses for such, and for such
secretarial and other assistance as the Commission may require, there is
hereby appropriated the sum of one thousand dollars to be paid from the
contingent fund of the General Assembly. The Commission shall conclude

its study and make its report to the Governor and General Assembly not
later than September 1, 1957.
Directing the Department of Education to study matters relating to the
acquisition of surplus federal property.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 2, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956

Whereas, from time to time large quantities of surplus federal prop-
erty become available to the Commonwealth and its agencies at little or no
cost to them and it appears desirable to study the extent to which State
agencies might obtain more of this property; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
Department of Education is directed to make a study and report upon the
extent to which State agencies might use surplus federal property and
whether the procedures in connection with such acquisition and use might
be improved. All agencies of the State shall assist the Department in its
study. The Department shall conclude its study and make its report to the
Governor and General Assembly not later than September one, nineteen
hundred fifty-seven.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 34

Directing the Division of the Budget to make a study of parking conditions
in and about Capitol Square.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, with amendment, March 10, 1956
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956

Whereas, the lack of space for the parking of motor vehicles in and
about Capitol Square causes great traffic congestion, mars the beauty
of the square and works great hardship on the public and particularly
those having business to transact at State offices in Capitol Square; and

Whereas, construction of additional State office buildings in and ad-
jacent to Capitol Square, both in progress and proposed, will aggravate
the problem and will require the provision of additional parking facilities
for the public and for State employees; and

Whereas, the governing body of the city of Richmond has indicated
its intention to create a civic center in the vicinity of Capitol Square,
Faien ore center would further aggravate the problem of parking facili-

es; an

Whereas, it apears that suitable underground parking facilities have
been constructed in several large cities under the parks and squares without
ned the natural beauty and landscaping of the area; now, therefore,

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
Division of the Budget be, and hereby is, directed to study and report
upon the following matters:

(1) The desirability and feasibility of constructing facilities for the
parking of motor vehicles under a portion of Capitol Square; and

(2) What other facilities, whether existing or found to be desirable
and feasible, should be considered for alteration or construction simultan-
eously therewith.

The Division shall complete its deliberations and report its findings
and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly not later
than November one, nineteen hundred fifty-seven.
Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study an
report upon matters relating to the education of scientists, engineer
and technicians.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 2, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 7, 1956

Whereas, society today has achieved a high standard of living an
other benefits by virtue of an economic organization which is highly com
plex depending to a great extent for its advancement upon persons wh
are trained as scientists, engineers and technicians; and

Whereas, the future of this Nation depends upon an adequate suppl:
of scientists, engineers and technicians; and

Whereas, other nations inimical to this country are providing suc!
training at a far greater rate than the United States which has implica
tions of danger for this Country; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That th
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is directed to make a study an
report upon the following matters:

(a) Whether or not a shortage exists in the supply of scientists
engineers and technicians constructing, operating and maintaining th
complex devices of our age;

(b) If a shortage exists, the fields in which the shortage occurs an
the extent of the deficiency ; .

(c) If a shortage exists, what steps can and should be taken to in
crease the supply of such trained personnel to meet the requirements 0
our complex world; and

(d) The extent to which our public schools are failing to requir
courses in mathematics and allied fields which are essential to the educa
tion of such scientific, engineering and technical personnel and the exten
to which these schools can assist in and facilitate the discovery and train
ing of persons with such scientific, engineering and technical talents.

All appropriate agencies of the State shall assist the Council in it
study. In its study, the Council is requested to seek the cooperation o:
the Superintendent of Public Instruction, personnel of the colleges witl
programs in the field under consideration, and all other agencies an
organizations which the Council deems could be of assistance.

The Council shall conclude its study and make its report to the Gov
ernor and the General Assembly not later than September one, ninetee1
hundred fifty-seven.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 37

Requesting the Virginia State Bar and the Virginia State Bar Associatioi
to study the law relating to shoplifting.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 2, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956

Whereas, it is estimated that approximately two hundred fifty millio.
dollars is lost annually throughout the United States as a result of th
activities of shoplifters; and

Whereas, the present law of Virginia does not take cognizance of th
changed conditions in the business of merchandising and there is need o
1226 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA.

clarifying the rights of those engaging in merchandising without infring-
ing upon the liberties of their customers; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
Virginia State Bar and the Virginia State Bar Association are requested
to make a study and report upon the law relating to shoplifting, with
especial attention to how more adequate protection can be given to
merchants without infringement upon the rights of others. Upon the con-
clusion of their studies the two groups are requested to make a report to
the Committees for Courts of Justice of the House of Delegates and Senate,
respectively; such report to be made not later than October one, nineteen
hundred fifty-seven.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 39

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the problem
of wandering uncontrolled dogs.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 6, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956

Whereas, wandering uncontrolled dogs annually cause very material
damages to crops and livestock, resulting in great monetary losses to
farmers in the several counties of the State; and

Whereas, the county authorities spend large sums of money to pay for
losses sustained by farmers from such dogs; and

Whereas, uncontrolled dogs constitute the principal medium by which
rabies is spread to domestic livestock, foxes and other wildlife forms, as
wel as spreading this dreadful disease to human beings; now, therefore,

] 1
Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
and report upon the problems caused by such wandering uncontrolled dogs
in the several counties and municipalities of the Commonwealth and how
same might be remedied.

The Council shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly,
not later than October 1, 1957, a report of its findings and recommenda-
tions, together with proposed legislation necessary to carry such recom-
mendations into effect.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 40

Directing the Virginia Code Commission to continue study of the revision
and codification of the motor vehicle laws of Virginia.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 6, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956

Resolved by the Senate of Virginia, the House of Delegates con-
curring, That the Virginia Code Commission is directed to continue the
study of the motor vehicle laws of Virginia which it has made in pursuance
of Senate Joint Resolution No. 49 of the 1954 session of the General
Assembly. The Commission is directed to submit the drafts of legisla-
tion prepared by it and presented to the current session of the General
Assembly, to State agencies and other public and private groups which
1956] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 1227

are especially affected and concerned, and in the light of comments and
suggestions received and of legislation and experience in other States to
and such revisions in the motor vehicle laws as to it may seem appro-
priate.

The Commission shall complete its study and submit to the Governor
and General Assembly a report, containing its recommendations and
oe of legislation to carry the same into effect, not later than March 1,

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 42

Directing the Department of Highways to investigate the possibility of
a bridge near Cabin John.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 6, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 1956

Whereas, the critical nature of traffic problems in the northern Vir-
ginia area, which will be intensified with the carrying out of certain de-
velopments now contemplated by the federal government, make it impera-
tive that all avenues leading toward the solution of such problems be
thoroughly explored; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of Virginia, the House of Delegates concurring,
that the Department of Highways is directed to make such studies as are
necessary to determine the feasibility or practicability of the construction
of a bridge over the Potomac River in the vicinity of Cabin John by joint
action of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Maryland and
further to determine whether any contribution toward such a project might
be had from the federal government, or whether a toll bridge might be the
most practicable solution. The Department shall determine what legisla-
tion is necessary to effect such joint action, the costs which would result in
the construction of approach roads in Virginia and the benefits which
might be expected to result to the State highway system from the con-
struction of such a bridge. The Department shall make a report to the
Governor and General Assembly not later than September one, nineteen
hundred fifty-six.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 43

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study and
report upon the cost of feeding students at the State institutions of
higher education.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 6, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956

Whereas, some institutions of higher learning provide cafeteria facili-
a for apnatenite enrolled therein and other such institutions provide dining

8; an

Whereas, there appear to be differences not only in capital outlay
costs but also in the cost per student as between the dining hall and
cafeteria type operations; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
1228 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [va.

and report upon the dining facilities at the several State institutions of
higher education. The Council shall consider the relative economy as
between the cafeteria type and dining hall facility, the advantages and dis-
advantages of each type of operation, and such other matters incident
thereto as the Council deems appropriate. The Auditor of Public Accounts
shall assist the Council upon request. The Council shall conclude its study
and make its report to the Governor and General Assembly not later than
August fifteen, nineteen hundred fifty-seven.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 44

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study and
report upon the auditing of certain financial institutions.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 8, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956

Whereas, it has come to the attention of the General Assembly that
the auditing procedures employed by the Bureau of Banking of the State
Corporation Commission may not be sufficient to disclose irregularities
and shortages in the accounts of some types of financial institutions, and

Whereas, in order to maintain public confidence in the safety of such
financial institutions, the deficiencies, if any, which exist in the auditing
procedures of the Bureau of Banking applicable to building and loan as-
sociations and saving and loan associations should be corrected; now,
therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
and report upon the auditing procedures employed by the Bureau of Bank-
ing of the State Corporation Commission in the case of building and loan
associations and saving and loan associations, respectively. The Council
shall consider the practices now in effect, the deficiencies, if any, which
exist therein, and the changes if any which should be made in order to
protect members, stockholders and depositors of such associations. The
State Corporation Commission shall assist the Council upon request.
The Council shall complete its study and make its report to the Governor
ore the Genera] Assembly not later than September one, nineteen hundred

-seven.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 49

Directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the compen-
sation of game wardens.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 1956
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 1956

Whereas, the Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries enforces
the game and fish laws by means of game wardens whose salaries are paid
presently in part by the State and in part by the localities, on the basis of
a salary scale fixed by the Division of Personnel, and

Whereas, The Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries has been
collecting large sums through the sale of licenses to hunt and fish and has
been accumulating surpluses therefrom; now, therefore, be it
__ Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, that the
Virginia Advisory Legislative Council is hereby directed to make a study
and report upon the advisability of the Commonwealth paying the entire
salary scale fixed by the Division of Personnel of game wardens appointed
by the Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries under the provisions of
§ 29-24 of the Code of Virginia for their services in enforcing the laws
which are required to be enforced by the Commission of Game and Inland
Fisheries and thereby relieve the localities of paying part of such salaries.
The Council shall conclude its study and make its report to the Governor
not later than September fifteen, nineteen hundred fifty-seven.

Volume 1956 Law 720

An Act to amend and reenact § 46.1-299, as amended, of the Code of Virginia, relating to devices signalling intention to turn or stop and rules therefor.

Volume 1968 Law 99

Law Body