CHAPTER 116
An Act to amend and reenact § 44-146.19 of the Code of Virginia, relating to military and emergency laws; local emergency management plans.
[H 347]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 44-146.19 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 44-146.19 . Powers and duties of political subdivisions.
A. Each political subdivision within the Commonwealth shall be within the jurisdiction of and served by the Department of Emergency Management and be responsible for local disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Each political subdivision shall maintain in accordance with state disaster preparedness plans and programs an agency of emergency management which, except as otherwise provided under this chapter, has jurisdiction over and services the entire political subdivision.
B. Each political subdivision shall have a director of emergency management who, after the term of the person presently serving in this capacity has expired and in the absence of an executive order by the Governor, shall be the following:
1. In the case of a city, the mayor or city manager, who shall appoint a coordinator of emergency management with consent of council;
2. In the case of a county, a member of the board of supervisors selected by the board or the chief administrative officer for the county, who shall appoint a coordinator of emergency management with the consent of the governing body;