(1) As used in this chapter, pronouns refer to both male and female persons equally, and articles refer to singular and plural persons and things.
(2) If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, it is the legislative intent that such invalidity not affect other provisions or applications which can be given effect apart from that which is invalidated, and to this end the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed severable.
(3) This chapter is intended as a unified, general chapter covering its subject matter, and accordingly none of its provisions shall be deemed to be repealed by implication by subsequent legislation if such a construction can reasonably be avoided.