§ 1000. Interpretation. 1. The provisions of this chapter in so far as they are substantially the same as the existing law on July first, nineteen hundred fifty-one, shall be construed as a continuation of the provisions of the former executive law and not as a new enactment.

2. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered.