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By Alex Woolridge
Special to the Rappahannock News
Just months after Hurricane Katrina destroyed homes and scarred lives in Louisiana, the Virginia General Assembly is taking steps to ensure that the Commonwealth correctly responds to future disasters.
Delegates last week approved a bill to prevent post-disaster price gouging. The intention is to outlaw the selling of necessary goods and services at an “unconscionable price” in an area where a state of emergency is declared.
Senate Bill 77, sponsored by Sen. John Watkins, R-Midlothian, also broadens a “time of disaster” to include the 30 days following a renewal or extension of the state of emergfency.
The Senate had passed the bill 38-0 in January. Following the House’s 98-0 approval last week, the measure moves forward to receive Gov. Tim Kaine’s signature.
Also last week, the Senate joined the House in unanimously approving House Bill 1170, sponsored by Delegate Melanie L. Rapp, R-Yorktown.‘
It would require each locality to maintain an agency of emergency management and to appoint a coordinator of emergency management. Currently, localities have the option of
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