Licensing agency asks for bigger FY26 general fund, highlights cannabis program growth

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs told the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on July 23 that it is seeking $5,871,053 in general fund appropriations and an additional $800,000 from the Consumer Protection Fund for fiscal year 2026.

Commissioner Natalie Hodge, who led the department's budget presentation, said the FY26 general fund request represents an increase of about $973,074 over FY25 and is aimed at sustaining personnel and core operations while supporting enforcement and technology improvements. "Our mission, serving businesses and assisting, educating and protecting consumers guides our work," Hodge said in prepared testimony to the committee.

The department reported license-processing and enforcement statistics for FY25 to date. Using a digitized platform, the Division of Licensing approved 8,223 business licenses in FY25 (a 1% decline from FY24) covering 14,079 active categories. License-fee collections rose slightly to $3,108,274.53, the department said. Hodge noted St. Thomas led the territory in business activity and fee collection.

The division that oversees alcohol licensing reported 617 alcohol-related licenses and 22 notices of violation in FY25, and DLCA said inspectors performed extensive checks across retail food and fuel sellers:…