Committee advances two bills to standardize terms and update membership rules for territorial boards

Two bills that amend membership rules for territorial professional boards were favorably reported by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary on Oct. 23, 2025.

Bill No. 36‑0141, sponsored by Senator Avery L. Lewis, sets a uniform three‑year term for members of the Board of Physical Therapy and allows members to continue serving until a successor is appointed. Commissioner H. Natalie Hodge of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) testified that DLCA issues business licenses but does not itself certify health professionals; the Department of Health coordinates licensure standards with DLCA.

Bill No. 36‑0142, also sponsored by Lewis, replaces the statutory word “island” with “district” and increases the maximum number of board members who may reside in any single district for the Board for Licensing of Barbering and Cosmetology from two to three. Commissioner H. Natalie Hodge and DLCA staff said the change reflects current population and licensing distribution: DLCA records show 136 licensed barbering/cosmetology practitioners on St. Croix, 177 on St. Thomas and 14 on St. John; the change would combine St. Thomas and St. John for appointment purposes and expand the pool of eligible appointees.

Committee members discussed vacancy patterns, administrative support from DLCA and the need for onboarding new board members. The committee recorded favorable votes and will forward both measures to the full Legislature for action.