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2014 SESSION
14102188DBe it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 44-146.18:3 as follows:
§ 44-146.18:3. First informer broadcasters; coordination with Department of Emergency Management.
A. For purposes of this section, unless the context requires otherwise:
"Broadcaster" means a radio broadcast station or a television broadcast station, cable television system, wireless-cable multipoint distribution system, satellite company, or telephone company transmitting video programming that disseminates news and public service and public safety information in the Commonwealth.
"First informer broadcaster" means a broadcaster that has been certified by the Department of Emergency Management.
B. The Department of Emergency Management shall, in cooperation with representatives of broadcasters, develop a comprehensive plan for preparing for the dissemination of news and public service and public safety information and the dissemination of such news and information in the event of a disaster, emergency, or major disaster in the Commonwealth. Such plan shall include the minimum training requirements for a first informer broadcaster. The Department shall certify that a broadcaster qualifies as a first informer broadcaster upon receipt of proof by the Department that the broadcaster has satisfied the minimum training requirements.
C. State and local governmental agencies shall grant first informer broadcasters access to an area affected by a disaster, emergency, or major disaster for the purposes of (i) disseminating news and public service and public safety information concerning the disaster, emergency, or major disaster and (ii) repairing, maintaining, or resupplying any facility or equipment, including transmitters and generators, necessary to the ability of the first informer broadcaster to acquire, produce, and transmit such news and information, unless granting such access would endanger public safety or inhibit recovery efforts or is otherwise inconsistent with state or federal law.