35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands | |
|---|---|
 USVI Capitol Building (2023) | |
| Leadership | |
President | |
Vice President | |
Majority Leader | Kenneth Gittens (D) |
Minority Leader | Dwayne DeGraff (I) |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 15 |
Length of term | 2 years |
The 35th Virgin Islands Legislature is the current meeting of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. It has convened in Charlotte Amalie on January 9, 2023, during the first two years of Governor Albert Bryan’s second term.[1]
In the 2022 elections, the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands retained and expanded their majority by gaining one seat which was led by Independent Senator Janelle Sarauw and another led by once turned Independent Senator Javan James Sr. who left the Democratic Party after disaffection with colleagues but later rejoined his caucus.
Major events
- January 9, 2023: The 35th Legislature begins.
- January 23, 2023: Governor Bryan delivered his Fifth State of the Territory Address.
- April 14, 2023: Senate confirmed acting Attorney General Carol Thomas-Jacobs to the United States Virgin Islands Superior Court.
- April 14, 2023: Senate voted to adopt Juneteenth making the Virgin Islands the first U.S. territory to observe the federal holiday.
- June 14, 2023: Senate voted to confirm Ariel Smith as the new Attorney General of the Virgin Islands.
- July 20, 2023: Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Lisa M. Alejandro to be Commissioner of Department of Property and Procurement.
- September 15, 2023: Senate hold vote on land swap deal with nine out 15 senators approving it for the purpose to construct a K-12 school on St. John.
- September 20, 2023: Senate President Novelle Francis express concerns over the appointment of Finance Commissioner Nominee Kevin McCurdy as acting governor while Bryan and Lt. Governor Roach leave the territory.
- September 22, 2023: Senate confirmed Lionel E. Selwood to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Board of Directors and Angel Dawson Jr. as Administrator of the Government Employees Retirement System.
- October 19, 2023: Former Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen lies in state at Legislature of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix.[2]
- November 2, 2023: Senators attend funeral of Former Senator Lloyd Williams on St. Thomas.
- December 19, 2023: Senate voted overwhelmingly to confirm Natalie Hodge as Commissioner of Department of Licensing & Costumer Affairs, Louis Petersen as Agriculture Commissioner, Kevin McCurdy as Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Bert Petersen and Donna Christensen to the UVI Board of Trustees.
- January 22, 2024: Governor Bryan will deliver his sixth State of the Territory Address.
Major Legislation
Enacted
- January 18, 2023: Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act
- January 20, 2023: Virgin Islands Behavioral Health Act + Bill No. 34-0238, requires public schools to include Virgin Islands and Caribbean history into the curriculum for K-12th.[3] Bill No. 34-0211, prohibits extremely loud music in vehicles and places of entertainment as relates to noise pollution. + Equality Act, 34–0271, prohibits discrimination against a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.[4]
- January 23, 2023: Bill No. 35-0003, appropriates $2.2 million for funds for the adoption of various portions of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Plan.
- April 27, 2023: Bill No. 35-0049, establishes a Local Food and Farm Council in accordance with mandate five of the V.I. Agricultural Plan. + Bill No. 35-0009, enacts The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to make June 19, a legal holiday in the Virgin Islands. + Bill No. 35-0050, establishes a School Construction and Maintenance Bureau.
- June 30, 2023: Bill No. 35-0012, increases the retirement pension for National Guard retirees from $100 to $200 per month and appropriates $145,000 from the General Fund for the RAW Basketball program and Virgin Islands Little League. + Bill 35-0106: An Act appropriating $700,000 from the General Fund for the purpose of hiring dialysis nurses and other staff.
- August 5, 2023: Bill No. 35-0035: An Act amending Title 20, V.I. Code, part II, chapter 39 section 436 (b), expanding the definition of “disabled veteran” for the purposes of eligibility for a handicapped window decal. Bill No. 35-0036: An act clarifying the duties and responsibilities of the executive director of the Taxicab Commission.
- September 29, 2023: Bill No. 35-0112: proposes a transfer of Whistling Cay to the federal government through the National Park Service in exchange for a parcel of land in Estate Catherineberg, for the purposes to build the first public K-12 school on St. John.
- October 5, 2023: Bill No. 35-0073: An Act amending title 32 of V.I. Code to establish powers and duties for the horse racing commissions for each district and relating to antidoping of racehorses to provide for regulation by district and joint horsing racing commissions.
- November 30, 2023: Bill No. 35-0048: An Act amending Title 3, V.I. Code, requiring the GERS to send each active member an annual report of contributions by U.S. mail or by electronic means, at the member’s option. + Bill No. 35-0074, An Act honoring and commending former Senator Almando “Rocky” Liburd for his lifetime of service to the people of the Virgin Islands, especially St. John, by renaming North Shore Road to the “The Almando “Rocky” Liburd Drive”. + Bill No. 35-0180, An Act appropriating $5,124,000 from the Community Facilities Trust Fund in the fiscal year Sept. 30, 2024, for the construction and site improvements to the Paul E. Joseph Stadium and requiring Department of Public Works to submit status reports of the project to the Legislature. + Bill No. 35-0190, An Act appropriating $350,000 from the General Fund to provide bottled drinking water to customers residing in neighborhoods identified by WAPA as most impacted by elevated levels of copper and lead in the potable water system.
Proposed (but not enacted)
- The Driver’s Public Safety Act (Bill No. 35-0013) : provides undocumented immigrants in the territory with a restricted driver's license and identification card. (Passed Senate with 14-1 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Bill No. 35-0032: allows government employees to run for public elected office while remaining on the job. (withheld in Committee on Rules & Judiciary)
- Bill No. 35-0075: designate the third Monday in February as Governor's Day. (bill failed to reach Senate floor)
- Bill No. 35-0078: An Act allowing the Department of Tourism to conduct a survey of residents to determine the official dish and dessert for the Virgin Islands. (bill failed to reach Senate floor)
- Bill No. 35-0084: An Act allowing businesses operating under a trade name to have the option of renewing the trade name every 2-6 or 10-years. (Passed Senate with 15-0 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Bill No. 35-0123: An Act to commission and direct the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts to construct and erect a bronze bust of Dr. Alfred O. Heath to be placed next to those of Edith L. Williams, J. Antonio Jarvis and Rothschild Francis in Education Park on St. Thomas.
- Bill No. 35-0127: An Act amending Title 14 of V.I. Code, Chapter 89, relating to the invasion of privacy of accident and crime victims by first Responders. (Passed Senate with 15-0 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Bill No. 35-0131: An Act amending Title 3 of V.I. Code, Chapter 15, to establish a Real Crime Center and Centralized Crime Data System within the Virgin Islands Police Department. (Passed Senate with 15-0 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Safe Haven Newborn Act (Bill No. 35-0173): An Act which seeks to “safeguard newborn infants from abandonment, that can lead to serious injury or even death. (Passed Senate with 15-0 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Bill No. 35-0175: amending the V.I. Code to establish an Auxiliary Communications Unit within the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA). (Passed Senate with 15-0 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Bill No. 35-0178: enables the automatic expungement of arrest records upon the court finding that the arrest was made without probable cause. (refer to Committee on Rules and Judiciary)
- Bill No. 35-0179: strengths the enforcement tools towards illegal gambling and lottery. (withheld in Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety)
- Bill No. 35-0186: An Act repealing and reenacting title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 16, section 274 “Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission and enacting in its place “The Division of Transportation and Taxicab Services”.
- Bill No. 35-0187: An Act aim at assisting VIPD with the prevention of gun violence by allowing certain individuals to petition for the temporary confiscation of firearms if a person is considered a threat. (withheld in Committee on Health, Hospitals & Human Services)
- Bill No. 35-0194: An Act requiring the commissioner of Education to hire school health technicians for each public school per district, to generally assume the role and responsibilities of school nurses. (Passed Senate with 15-0 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Bill No. 35-0210: seeks to provide $2.5 million for the purchase of Department of Labor building on St. Thomas from its current owners. (Passed Senate with 15-0 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Bill No. 35-0219: An Act changing the date for commencing the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to January 22, 2024. (Passed Senate with 14-1 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Bill No. 35-0220: An Act developing and producing a USVI Music Festival. (Passed Senate with 14-1 vote on December 19 ; awaiting Governor’s signature)
Vetoed
- January 23, 2023: Bill No. 34-0080: directs the Office of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation into WAPA and appropriates $250,000 to fund the investigation.
- April 27, 2023: Bill No. 35-0055: pertains to the school curriculum in elementary and secondary schools. * Bill No. 35-0061: directs the Office of the Inspector General to conduct an audit of WAPA and appropriates $250,000 to fund the audit.
- October 5, 2023: Bill No.35-0082: limit the expulsion and suspension of students in pre-kindergarten through third grade.
- November 30, 2023: Bill No. 35-0014: An Act posthumously honoring and commending Wayne “Facts Man” Adams for articulating and bringing events of historic significance to the people of the Virgin Islands, by naming Nadir bridge on St. Thomas after him. (Override by Senate on December 19) + Bill No. 35-0200: intent to issue a monthly water bill abatement for six months to WAPA customers on St. Croix affected by levels of lead and copper.
Major resolutions
- Bill No. 0002 (Res.1901): Adopting the Rules of the 35th Legislature.
- Bill No. 1899: Expresses the support of the Legislature for U.S. House Resolution 279 acknowledging that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Insular Cases and the “Territorial Incorporation Doctrine” are contrary to the text and history of the U.S. Constitution.
- Bill No. 35-0006: A resolution honoring and commending former Senator George E. Goodwin, by naming the Cricket field in Estate Nazareth on St. Thomas after him while awarding him the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor.
- Bill No. 35-0007: A resolution honoring and commending Boyd “Boyzie” Orlanzo Todman for his contributions to the people and the youth of the Virgin Islands.
- Bill No. 35-0010: A resoultion honoring and commending Aloy “Wenty” Nielsen by renaming Christiansted Bypass after him and appropriates $10,000 from the General Fund for signage.
- Bill No. 35-0016: A resolution honoring and commending the Supervisor of Elections, Caroline Fawkes, and her entire team for their tireless service and contributions to the Virgin Islands community and on the occasion during the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the V.I. Election System.
- Bill No. 35-0029: A resolution honoring and commending Donna Marie Christian-Christiansen, M.D., for her tireless contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands in the medical field and representation in Congress, while naming the Charles Harwood Complex on St. Croix in her honor.
- Bill No. 35-0062: A resolution honoring and commending Gregory “DJ Avalanche” Hodge for his contributions as a disk jockey, radio talk host and entertainer while presenting him with the Official Key of the Virgin Islands.[5]
- Bill No. 35-0091: A resolution honoring and commending Indiana Fever basketball player Aliyah Boston for her athletic accomplishments while awarding her the Key to the Virgin Islands.
- Bill No. 35-0100: A resolution honoring and commending Music in Motion School of Higher Dance Education and its founder, Charlita Schuster, on the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of the Music in Motion Dance Academy.
- Bill No. 35-0109: A resolution honoring and commending the late Corporal Kendall Emanuel George while renaming portions of Highway 107 on St. John to the “Kendall Emanuel George Drive”. (awaiting Governor’s signature)
- Bill No. 35-0114: A resolution honoring and commending the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games’ Gold Medal Winners.
- Bill No. 35-0116 : A resolution honoring and commending Lieutenant Colonel Leayle Gerard Galiber for his leadership in the Virgin Islands National Guard and his dedication to the country and to the people of the Virgin Islands. (awaiting Governor’s signature)
Party summary
| Party (Shading indicates majority/plurality) |
Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Independent | Independent Citizens | ||
| End of previous Legislature | 10 | 5 | 0 | 15 |
| Begin (January 9, 2023) | 11 | 4 | 0 | 15 |
| Latest voting share | 60% | 40% | 0% | 100% |
Leadership
Senate President: Novelle Francis (D)-STX
Vice President: Marvin Blyden (D)-STT
Majority Leader: Kenneth Gittens (D)-STX
Secretary: Carla Joseph (D)-STT
Presiding
- President of the Senate: Novelle Francis (D), from January 9, 2023
- Vice President: Marvin Blyden (D), from January 9, 2023
Majority (Democratic)
- Majority Leader: Kenneth Gittens (D), from January 9, 2023
- Secretary: Carla Joseph (D), from January 9, 2023
- Intergovernmental Territorial Affairs Secretary: Marise James (D), from January 9, 2023
- Liaison to Congress: Donna Frett-Gregory (D), from January 9, 2023
- Liaison to the Department of Interior & Office of Insular Affairs: Carla Joseph (D), from January 9, 2023
- Liaison to the White House: Kenneth Gittens (D), from January 9, 2023
Majority Caucus
- Senators Novelle Francis, Marvin Blyden, Kenneth Gittens, Angel Bolques Jr., Carla Joseph, Diane Capehart, Ray Fonseca, Donna Frett-Gregory, Javan James Sr., Marise James, Milton Potter.
Minority Caucus
- Senators Alma Francis-Heyliger, Dwayne DeGraff, Franklin Johnson, Samuel Carrion
Members
| District | Name | Party | Took Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| At-large | Angel Bolques Jr. | Democratic | 2022 |
| St. Croix | Franklin Johnson | Independent | 2021 |
| Diane Capehart | Democratic | 2023 | |
| Javan E. James, Sr. | Democratic | 2019 | |
| Kenneth Gittens | Democratic | 2019 | |
| Marise James | Democratic | 2023 | |
| Novelle Francis | Democratic | 2015 | |
| Samuel Carrion | Independent | 2021 | |
| St. Thomas/ St. John |
Alma Francis-Heyliger | Independent | 2021 |
| Carla Joseph | Democratic | 2021 | |
| Donna Frett-Gregory | Democratic | 2019 | |
| Dwayne DeGraff | Independent | 2017 | |
| Ray Fonseca | Democratic | 2023 | |
| Marvin Blyden | Democratic | 2015 | |
| Milton Potter | Democratic | 2021 |
Source:[6]
Committees
| Committee | Chair | Vice Chair |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Development and Agriculture | Javan James Sr. | Angel Bolques Jr. |
| Budget, Appropriations and Finance | Donna Frett-Gregory | Novelle Francis |
| Education and Workforce Development | Marise James | Donna Frett-Gregory |
| Health, Hospitals and Human Services | Ray Fonseca | Kenneth Gittens |
| Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection | Carla Joseph | Javan James Sr. |
| Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety | Kenneth Gittens | Ray Fonseca |
| Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications | Marvin Blyden | Marise James |
| Culture, Aging, Sports, Parks and Youth | Angel Bolques Jr. | Marvin Blyden |
| Rules and Judiciary | Diane Capehart | Milton Potter |
| Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning | Milton Potter | Diane Capehart |
References
- ↑ "35th Legislature Gets Down to Business". St. Thomas Source. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
- ↑ "Body Of Former Senator Alicia "Chucky" Hansen To Lay In State At The Legislature Of The Virgin Islands". 2023-10-13.
- ↑ "Bill No.34-0238". Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
- ↑ "Bill No. 34-0271". Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
- ↑ "Bill No. 35-0062" (PDF). Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
- ↑ "35th Legislature Senators Commence 2-Year Term Following Swearing-In Ceremony".
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